For Sydney delivery driver Yarrack Skowron, the end of one chapter and the beginning of another came with a sense of familiarity. After nearly 20 years and more than 1.2 million kilometres, he finally retired his 2006 IVECO Daily 50C van—only to replace it with the latest model from the same brand.
Skowron’s first Daily was nothing short of remarkable. The van clocked up its mileage in the toughest of conditions: constant stop-start driving through Sydney’s CBD, often fully loaded with two tonnes of paper bound for government departments and private businesses.
“Paper is heavy and there was never an easy day, for either the van or for me,” he explained.
Reliability Built on Routine
The van’s longevity wasn’t down to luck. As a qualified mechanic, Skowron followed a strict servicing routine, often doing much of the work himself. Preventative maintenance and a commitment to using only genuine IVECO parts kept the van in top shape.
“My first Daily has definitely proven itself, giving me almost 20 years of reliable service,” he said. “For me the decision to update to the equivalent new model 50C Daily was easy.”
What’s Changed in Two Decades?
While his new Daily retains the same 12m³ cargo volume as the old one, almost everything else has been updated. Modern safety features, improved driver comfort, better fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions reflect how far commercial vehicles have advanced since 2006.
The biggest change for Skowron may be the switch from a manual gearbox to an 8-speed fully automatic transmission. “After so many years of driving a manual in city traffic, I probably won’t know what to do with my left leg,” he joked.
A Workhorse That Lasts
For owner-drivers and fleet managers alike, Skowron’s story underscores the value of disciplined maintenance and brand consistency. A van that covers more than a million kilometres in inner-city conditions without major dramas is a reminder that reliability pays back over the long haul.
And as he looks ahead, Skowron has little doubt about his decision to stick with IVECO: “If I get anywhere near the same performance from this new Daily as I did the old, it will definitely see out my working days.”
