FRANCE The auction by Iveco of its All Blacks-themed Magelys coach and Stralis XP ‘Emotional Truck’ has raised more than €230,000 for Unicef, the United Nations children fund that promotes and protects the rights of children around the world.
Massimiliano Cialone of Cialone Tour S.P.A. secured the coach while Patrick Galtier placed the winning bid for the Stralis XP. Both vehicles had been used during the New Zealand players’ recent European tour.
Cialone Tour S.P.A. is an Italian business established in 1895 and therefore has over 100 years of experience in the passenger transport sector. It took 25 competitive bids in a row, but in a passionate finale to the auction the company won – and so its fleet will boast this unique coach. The auction started on Tuesday October 25, and ended on Monday November 21.
This charity initiative took place under the aegis of the partnership between Iveco and the New Zealand team.
As part of the partnership, from November 6 to 27, Iveco was the All Blacks’ European Supporter and provided the team with six Iveco vehicles – two Magely coaches and four Daily Hi-Matic minibuses – to transport the players and staff for the duration of the 2016 European tour.
The handover ceremony for the keys of the two auctioned vehicles took place in Paris, in the presence of several All Blacks players, Unicef staff and Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, who said: “We are very proud of the amount we raised, exceeding the target price for both vehicles. Iveco partnered with the All Blacks in a solidarity gesture that will benefit Unicef to the tune of more than €230,000.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Massimiliano Cialone and Patrick Galtier in particular, who placed the winning bids – and for the Iveco All Blacks who, thanks to their contribution, helped our Champions support the very important cause of children’s education in South Africa.”
