Iveco, a leading global manufacturer of transport vehicles, has made a strong statement of its arrival in Oman with the formal launch of brand and inauguration of a $10 million showroom and after-sales facility in Muscat.

The new facility has been constructed at Muscat’s Al Maawaleh area by Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, a division of the Suhail Bahwan Group, Iveco’s exclusive dealer in the sultanate.
Iveco was represented by a high-profile representation led by Stefano Sterpone, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, who highlighted the company’s strategy for the market.
Summing up the association between Iveco and Suhail Bahwan Group, Sterpone said: “We are confident that our joint resources of high performing and competitive products together with a highly committed partner with its strong distribution network will be the key success factor for our mutual growth in this region.”
Although Iveco has been present in Oman since 2006, the occasion marked the formal launch of business association between Iveco and Suhail Bahwan Automotive Group, said KS Kumar, managing director of Suhail Bahwan Group
“The new showroom, which bears a distinct Iveco design, will seek to demonstrate our commitment to Iveco’s business in Oman,” Kumar added.
Iveco boasts of more than a hundred years of experience in designing, manufacturing and marketing the full range of commercial vehicles from the Fiat Group. With cutting-edge technologies developed at five research centres, Iveco is one of the world’s leading companies in the road transportation sector, said Scardigno Vincenzo, Iveco’s general manager, Middle East and Africa.
The Iveco facility in Oman includes a 24-hour helpline, mobile vans for onsite assistance and an elaborate nationwide service and parts network. A series of incentives and programmes will be launched at the new facility with an aim of enhancing customer satisfaction.
“We are focused on adding value to the Iveco brand and enhancing customer profitability,” said Kumar. “We have arranged a training programme for mechanics as well as drivers, in addition to a finance package to help customers facing resource constraints to own and operate the robust Iveco vehicles. In addition, we intend to continue adding new services as an ongoing process at the after-sales facility.”
“With all these measure in place we are confident of achieving an eight per cent market share for Iveco in 2008, which will be raised to 10 per cent in 2009 with 250 units of heavy and light range of commercial vehicles,” he added.
Iveco offers a wide range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, buses and coaches as well as special vehicles for applications such as fire-fighting, off-road missions, defence and civil protection. The prominent Iveco models include Trakker in the off-road segment, from 18 to 72 tonnes; Stralis, reckoned the on-road horse, available in the 19 to 44 tonne range; Eurocargo in the medium range of 6 to 9 tonnes; Daily and Powerdaily in the light range of vehicles for all types of road.
Trakker is available in 4 by 2 to 8 by 8 drive in prime mover and cab chassis versions with the engine delivering 380 to 480 hp. Even with gross weights ranging from 19 to 72 tonnes, it is perfectly harmonised for off-road conditions.
Elaborating on the truck range, Vincenzo said: “Trakker combines toughness and strength with comfort and style. Its solid chassis is made of high-yield steel which makes for robust construction. The comfort of Trakker lies also in the cabin, spacious with a comfortable working environment that reduces driver fatigue on long trips. All controls are conceived in an ergonomic way for the driver’s comfort. Trakker is capable of tackling arduous terrain under extreme conditions. At ease in the quarry and in uneven terrain, it is also an exceptional road vehicle for long journeys.
 “Stralis is the flagship of Iveco range, which was awarded the International Truck of the Year in 2003. Offering a complete range of commercial vehicles for on-road application in the 18 to 44 tonnes heavy range, Stralis delivers seamless working partnership, fulfilling all requirements. Total safety and reliability are two important advantages of an efficient braking system. On an active safety front, Stralis boasts an excellent array of electronic systems that aid drivers in emergency conditions and safety performance in terms of road handling and braking. All Stralis vehicles are equipped with front and rear disc brakes.
“Stralis is available in a wide range to suit high, medium and short mileage operations. Cab chassis and prime mover versions in 4 by 2, 6 by 2 and 6 by 4 drives, with engine powers ranging from 350 to 450 bhp provide for exceptional performance, combined with superb driver comfort.”
“Globally, Iveco is strongly positioned to face the future, recording a 22 per cent rise in net revenues and rolling out over 200,000 vehicles in 2007, beating all records in the company history,” Vincenzo added.