The vehicle is based on an Iveco Daily 50C17 chassis and the design is unique in the marketplace by allowing fleets to remount the body onto a different chassis and wheelbase– ensuring the base vehicle can be replaced after approximately seven or eight years in service, in line with current industry standards.
The interior is designed for ease of cleaning and infection control, and internal fittings and fixings such as defibrillator brackets, carry chair brackets and Oxygen cylinder brackets are mounted using bonded fixings to ensure security.
Prior to launch the vehicle was strenuously trialed with multiple crash test bodies, each designed to to survive several directional crash tests. This allowed for substantial weight and material savings and ensured a finished product with zero internal panel reinforcing.
The electrical control system is designed to be as efficient as possible, and integrates directly with telematics systems, helping to ensure on-board electrical supply is not compromised by power-draining communication devices.
The demonstrator model is powered by a 3.0 litre diesel engine capable of producing up to 170 hp, figures that Iveco says ensures there is always 'sufficient power to meet the rapid response times demanded in the blue light sector.'
Commenting on the launch, Martin Flach, product director at Iveco, said: ‘From an early stage we knew Cartwright was working on something very special and we were keen to support them. Selecting the Daily chassis for the launch highlights its suitability for ambulance operations; it’s also a model many blue light fleets already operate.’