New Thor dropside set to boost 2008 sales for Ingimex
Jan 08
Sales of the latest Thor dropside, which went into production in October 2007, are up on forecast, with Ingimex anticipating further growth in the UK and Europe during 2008.
A recent convert to the new dropside is LDV, which adopted the Ingimex body recently to supply its core conversion scheme for the Maxus. The improved dropside is also specified by Citroen, Renault Trucks, Vauxhall and Volkswagen for their core conversion programmes in the 3.5 tonne chassis class. The new Thor dropside is also available in a variety of sizes for aftersales conversions on light commercial vehicles from Fiat, Ford, Iveco, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault UK, and Mercedes Benz.
According to Technical Director Jeremy Gallen, customers looking to Ingimex for exceptional design quality and manufacturing finish will not be disappointed: “As well as improving the overall appearance, we’ve made the new dropside lighter - saving some ten per cent in weight – at the same time as strengthening the body. The new sideboards are engineered to a one-piece contoured design, and the top edge has been strengthened for greater impact resistance. The sideboards have been strengthened more generally to offer increased ‘burst’ resistance, and a new, removable rear corner post improves the panel fit. The new sideboard locks are discreet and can be operated easily with one hand. The overall appearance is sleek, with exterior surfaces that are clean and flat making them ideal for branding and livery.”
Load security has also been explored in detail, with new lashing rings designed to improve structural integration as well as to increase the area of usable deck space. The new rings are more resistant to icing and dirt clogging, and multiple rings can be added easily to the deck as and when required.
The refreshed design of the body platform sees an optimal strength subframe assembly with flush fit peripheral frame. There are no protruding fixings or profile edges and a ‘plug fit’ deck panel allows for easier repair.
The bulkhead and ladder gantry remain unchanged, with a full width mesh panel offering maximum rear cab visibility and protection. The gantry load capacity of 250kg has been achieved through stringent safety and performance testing. Likewise, the steel-reinforced bulkhead provides cab protection from unrestrained loads, exceeding all international standards for cab protection. The bulkhead incorporates four recessed load restraint points for the positioning of high centre of gravity loads such as gas bottles
With CV manufacturers looking for the highest standards in finish, function and safety, Ingimex continues to invest in improving manufacturing processes. Jeremy Gallen explained: “As a volume body manufacturer producing around 4,000 units a year, we invest in the engineering integrity and conformity of manufacture that is expected by the big name players. We go to great lengths to achieve strong but light designs with higher legal load capacities, better aesthetics, better componentry and with a higher residual value. The benefits to the operator are in finished, converted vehicles which have warranty terms in line with the base vehicle and aftersales support to match standards expected of the commercial vehicle market today.”
Come & see for yourself the Ingimex difference.