Iveco triumphs in 2016 Dakar Rally

Iveco, a brand of CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI), conquered the top of the podium at Dakar 2016, the world's longest and most competitive off-road rally. This edition saw trucks, cars, quads and motorcycles race across 9,000 kilometres of off-road terrain through Argentina and Bolivia. Out of 55 competing trucks, six different brands made it into the top twelve in the Truck Category. Iveco dominated this list with four trucks in the top ten, three of which were in the top five, including first place.

Dutch driver Gerard de Rooy, leader of Team PETRONAS De Rooy Iveco, placed first in the 2016 edition. This is his second victory in the Dakar's Truck Category. His performance over the rally's thirteen stages once again demonstrated his experience and skills in both driving and navigation and confirmed the dependability of the Iveco Powerstar to win a race of this magnitude. Argentinian driver Federico Villagra placed third in his Iveco Powerstar. He counted an impressive following of millions of local fans in Argentina, where Iveco is the market leader for commercial vehicles.

The Dakar route presented itself as the perfect proving ground to showcase the versatility and strength of Iveco's trucks. It was also a great opportunity for Iveco to highlight the performance of its engines. The Iveco Cursor 13 engines are manufactured at CNH Industrial's engine plant in Bourbon Lancy, France and specifically prepared for the race by CNH Industrial brand FPT Industrial at its Research & Development centre in Arbon, Switzerland.

"This is a resounding success and recognition, after the Iveco Eurocargo being named 'International Truck of the Year 2016' and the Magelys from Iveco Bus winning 'International Coach of the Year 2016'. Iveco puts the excellent reliability of its trucks on the trails of the Dakar rally, enabling the team's outstanding drivers to give their best performance in the race," commented Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President.