ACCO to return with Iveco

ACCO, the iconic nameplate in Australian truck history, is set to make a return, with Iveco currently trialling a new version ahead of local release.

The ACCO story dates back to the early 1950s, when International responded to a government tender to produce new cab over troop transporters and special purpose trucks for the Australian Army, replacing units that dated back to World War II.

The army received the first of these AACO units (for Australian A-line Cab Over – the more familiar ACCO name came later when production shifted to the C line) in 1959, with production for the civilian market following in 1961.

Their suitability for local conditions saw almost 40,000 ACCOs built at International’s Australian manufacturing facility in Dandenong in the first ten years of civilian production. From the initial 4x4 rigids, ACCOs would go on to be offered in various chassis configurations, including prime movers, in the years that followed, as well as many drive, engine and transmission options.

Between 1982 and 1992, the Australian arm of International was essentially independent, following the parent company’s financial woes, with the ACCO being a big part of what kept local operations afloat. In 1992, Iveco purchased International Trucks Australia, with the first dual control units manufactured here at around the same time.

Local manufacturing of the Euro 5 generation of the ACCO ended in late 2019, followed by Iveco’s closure of the Dandenong plant in 2022. Concerns that the ACCO nameplate would not return as a result of Australian manufacturing coming to an end were allayed in June, when Iveco announced that the iconic name was coming back, with local validation testing already underway.

The new ACCOs will come from Iveco’s main manufacturing facility in Spain and share their basic structure with the S-Way. The units to be released here will be aimed at specialist vocational applications, specifically rubbish collection, and will include locally engineered dual control variants.

To be offered in 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, but with day cab bodies only, the new ACCOs will be powered by the Euro 6 (aka Step E) versions of Iveco’s 8.7-litre Cursor 9 engine in three output ratings - from 310hp and 1,300Nm to 360hp and 1,650Nm. The standard transmission will be an Allison 3200 six-speed automatic.

Iveco claim the new ACCO cabin interior has been refined to provide more usable space, even when fitted with dual control hardware. Driver storage solutions have been increased, too, with additional areas allocated for PPE and personal belongings.

The adaptability of past ACCO chassis to suit a range of body applications will apply to the new version, with a layout that’s said to closely align with the requirements of waste industry bodies, following consultation with popular body manufacturers and leaders in the waste sector. New systems for improved integration between the cab chassis and bodies will also feature.

Other waste industry-specific adjustments include redesigned steps for extra ground clearance, an engine hour meter and a three-blade windscreen wiper system.

The upcoming ACCO will receive much of the same advanced safety equipment seen in the latest S-Way, like Advanced Emergency Braking, Brake Assistance System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Stability Program with ABS (disc brakes all round) and Anti-Slip Regulation. All new ACCOs will also be equipped with full LED lighting.

Emiliano Foieri, Product Manager of Iveco Trucks Australia – Heavy Vehicles, said preparations for the return of the ACCO to the Australian market were progressing well.

“Development of the new ACCO has been an involved process, particularly the design of the dual control system, which has been engineered locally to meet the preferences of Australian and New Zealand customers.

“The overall model line-up is heavily geared towards the waste industry and will closely meet the needs of operators using side and rear loading compactors, overhead front lift trucks and skip bin vehicles.

“Given the long heritage and strong reputation that ACCO boasts, particularly in the waste market, we’re working hard to ensure its standing as an industry favourite continues with this new generation model,” Foieri ended.

Iveco says that further information and full specifications for the new ACCO for Australia will be made available closer to local release.