HANOVER, Germany - The Iveco Stralis Hi-Way was elected Truck of the Year 2013 by a jury of 25 commercial vehicle journalists from 25 magazines and as many markets throughout Europe.

With a winning score of 138 points, the new Italian heavy-duty, long-haul truck conquered the challenge posed by the new Mercedes-Benz Antos heavy-duty short-range distribution truck, which collected 107 points. Ford Otosan's New Cargo came in third, while the all-wheel-drive six-tonne Fuso Canter 4x4 was fourth.

This annual award is presented to the truck model launched in the previous 12 months that has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency from several different perspectives, including fuel economy, safety, driveability, comfort and environmental concerns.

The Stralis Hi-Way features highly innovative Euro 6 engine emissions technology, based on a selective-catalytic-reduction-only aftertreatment system. This solution paves a new route in the reduction of diesel engine emissions, relying on two pillars: a predictive algorithm to control the engine's operation and a high-turbulence pipe to enhance the mixing of the exhaust gases and the urea.

The Stralis Hi-Way's redesigned cab offers the driver a quiet and relaxing working environment, as jury members noted during their recent road test around Turin.

"With the new Stralis Hi-Way, Iveco has delivered a state-of-the-art heavy-duty, long-haul truck with an innovative engine solution and advanced telematics that will make a substantial contribution to lowering the total cost-of-ownership for European truck operators," Truck of the Year chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented.

The 64th IAA Truck Show in Hanover runs through tomorrow. The ToY-award was given out for the 37th consecutive year.