New, improved features for Thor dropside and Titan tipper shown at SALTEX 2005

Sep 05

Advanced engineering techniques and repeat manufacture have resulted in new, improved features for the Ingimex range of THOR dropside and TITAN tipper bodies. The bodies, specified by Iveco, Vauxhall and Nissan for their core conversion programmes in the 3.5 tonne chassis class, meet the exacting demands of the CV manufacturers and are the culmination of months of design and exhaustive testing by the Ingimex research and development team. Managing Director Justin Gallen said: “The light commercial vehicle market in the UK is ahead of Europe, with manufacturers pressing their body suppliers for complete vehicle solutions which have the highest standards of finish, function and safety. This level of commitment has made it feasible for specialist companies such as Ingimex to invest in the product levels of engineering integrity and conformity of manufacture that would not have been commercially viable until relatively recently. 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.”

As part of the Iveco ‘Daily Drive Away’ conversion programme, the Titan tipper has a new full length gantry cross bar, increased lifting capacity - up from 1.4 to 1.8 tonnes – and increased payload of 75kg. The design of the dropside – under the THOR brand name - has been substantially revised by the addition of the Ingimex patented bulkhead/gantry design. This enables the operator to carry loads of up to 250kg on the cross bar, and provides full mesh cab protection. In addition, four load lashing points are now built in to the bulkhead offering a combined 500 kg capacity. Recessed deck lashing rings are now included as standard fitment. From December 2005, the Titan tipper conversions on Nissan and Vauxhall chassis will have increased load carrying capacity of 75kg, as a result of a conversion weight reduction in excess of ten per cent.

The case for purchasing body conversions through a manufacturer scheme is compelling, according to Justin Gallen, “Although each brand scheme differs in the detail so as to reflect the host vehicle strengths, the critical plus factors are common to all schemes: they include enhanced warranties, an increased standard of finish, a clear definition of safe use and improved vehicle residual values. Add to that, accurate vehicle completion dates and comprehensive after sales support, and it is easy to see why many customers prefer to purchase through one of the manufacturer schemes.”

With manufacturers adopting conversion programmes, particularly at 3.5 tonnes, there are new opportunities for body converters to address the issue of risk management, says Justin Gallen: “Manufacturers of body conversions make huge investments in their engineering, designing and testing in preparation for high volume product runs. As a result, customers are guaranteed standardisation of design - a big plus for fleet buyers when you consider interchangeability, for example. Validated performance is another key benefit, and enables us to set out in unambiguous terms the scope of the vehicle and how it should be used, thereby allowing operators to manage training and safety issues effectively. Repeatable build quality is about reliable, consistent product with the economies of scale that come from manufacturing. Taken altogether, we’re talking about the most effective management of risk.”

As part of Vauxhall’s current marketing programme, retail customers who order a Movano Chassis Cab or Crew Cab Core Conversion will receive the F2 dropside or Titan tipper body conversion free of charge. The offer lasts until the end of September 2005, and gives savings of up to £2,960 + VAT.

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