High hopes for Ford in Italy
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FORD intends to increase its share of the commercial vehicle market as number one importer in Italy with the introduction of new Transcontinental truck and artic models — the most powerful it has yet produced in Europe.
The new models, designated H, HA and HT 4235, are fitted with 352bhp (DIN) Cummins diesels, and can operate at gross combination weights of up to 44 tonnes.
Under Italian regulations, introduced in June last year, two-axle trucks have a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes, and four-axle artic combinations are limited to 2.4 times this gvw, that is 43.2 tonnes.
Three-axle trucks and artics have a maximum gvw of 24 tonnes, and five-axle combinations are limited to 44 tonnes gross.
Additionally, from June this year, all gross train weights will be subjected to a new 8 bhp/tonne requirement. Existing 4234 models meet the gross train requirements as regards transmission and drive line, but will be limited to 42.5 tonnes gross by the horsepower restraint. To meet the horsepower requirements, the output of the Cummins "NTC 355 engine has been increased to 263kW (352bhp) (DIN) by recalibration of the fuel injection sysyem.
Maximum horsepower 263kW (DIN) is produced at 2,100 rpm and maximum torque (1,340Nm (988 lb ft)) is produced at 1,400 rpm.
The model line up includes truck and artic models.
The 3.5 metre (138in) wheelbase 4 x 2 HA4235 artic is plated at 18 tonnes, with individual axle plated weights of 7 and 12 tonnes. This model together with the 3.94 and 4.50 metre (155 and 177in) wheelbase 4 x 2 H4235 truck models are limited to 43.2 tonnes train weight.