Iveco has teamed up with European logistics company, SMET, to trial the integration of 18 metre long trucks powered by Stralis tractor units using LNG.

The trial was driven by what Iveco called the "very important issue" of the need to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and congestion.

It was hoped that the combination of gas powered tractor units and longer trailers would improve productivity, and Iveco said the results have exceeded expectations.

The manufacturer said the combination delivered a "significant advantage", compared to the more traditional diesel option, in terms of both TCO and environmental impact.

Working in conjunction with SMET, Iveco conducted a field trial, allowing them to evaluate the reduction in the average cost per unit for goods transported.

Together, the two companies also tested the compatibility of 18 metre long trucks on the road infrastructure, and their parking manoeuvrability.

The trial also highlighted the reduction in fuel consumption per unit for transported goods, and the inherent reduction in CO2 emmissions.

Authorised in July 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Progetto DICIOTTO (which means "Project Eighteen") was launched by the ANFIA (Italian Automotive Industry Association) in Italy, to test the impact on transport efficiency of increasing the length of articulated trucks to 18 metres from the current standard length of 16.5 metres.

Lengthening trailers by around 1.5 metres is the only planned variation from standard vehicles: all the other basic specifications remain unchanged, from axle loads to manoeuvrability under curret legislation.

The results achieved by Progetto DICIOTTO in Italy have improved transport efficiency by almost 10% on trial vehicles, said Iveco.

Similar experiments are also underway in other European countries including the Czech Republic, Germany and the UK.

Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, said: “Iveco and SMET's decision to field test an 18 metre-long LNG Stralis has definitely proven to be a winning combination and reaffirms Iveco's commitment and role in increasing sustainable mobility.”