There was a time when street sweepers were simply operational vehicles, the silent protagonists of our cities, often at work when everything else had come to a standstill. Today, that is no longer the case. Those same machines have become complex, intelligent and increasingly connected systems, capable of operating in a global context.
This is the starting point for the conversation between Matteo Vallero and Umberto Mari Cini, Sales & Marketing Director at Dulevo and guest on the “Challenge” podcast, which offers a concrete insight into what it means today to be an Italian manufacturer on the global stage.

In this scenario, exporting is not merely a commercial extension. It is a continuous exercise in adaptation. Bringing a machine to markets such as the United States, the Middle East or Asia means dealing with different regulations, specific distribution systems and operating contexts that are often very different from one another. There is no single standard; every country imposes its own rules and, consequently, requires dedicated solutions.

As Umberto Maria Cini points out, internationalisation requires an in-depth study of markets, ranging from geomarketing to an understanding of geopolitical dynamics, right through to the ability to assess whether a product can truly succeed in a specific context.
At the same time, the sector is undergoing a profound technological transformation. In recent years, street sweepers have undergone a significant evolution, moving from predominantly mechanical vehicles to integrated platforms, in which digitalisation and connectivity play an increasingly central role.

This is the context in which artificial intelligence comes into play, set to impact both business processes and the operational use of the machines. Dulevo’s Sales and Marketing Director highlights how the company is working on two fronts: on the one hand, internal optimisation; on the other, the development of increasingly advanced solutions for the market.
Applications already in development focus, for example, on waste recognition and automatic performance optimisation, with the aim of improving efficiency and sustainability. Looking ahead, these systems could also contribute to urban management, transforming machines into active data-collection tools.

However, the issue of autonomous driving remains, progressing at different speeds depending on the sector. Whilst in closed environments – such as logistics, healthcare or large-scale retail – autonomous solutions are already a reality, the path forward is more complex in urban areas. As Umberto Maria Cini observes, regulatory, safety and liability factors come into play, requiring a more gradual evolution.

Ultimately, the value of ‘Made in Italy’ remains central. Dulevo was founded in Fontanellato, in the heart of Emilia’s Motor Valley, a region that serves as a global benchmark for engineering and advanced mechanics. It is from this ecosystem that a significant part of the competitive advantage derives: expertise, the supply chain and industrial culture.

However, competing internationally also means facing often aggressive pricing dynamics. In this sense, the challenge is not only technical but also one of positioning. This means promoting a product that focuses on quality, durability and performance, in a market where cost remains a decisive factor.
The picture that emerges is that of an evolving industry, called upon to balance identity and change. Amidst complex markets, technological innovation and global competition, the ability to adapt remains the decisive factor.

Ultimately, what emerges is not just the story of a company, but a way of operating in the market. One built on adaptation, continuous innovation and a strong identity.
And perhaps this is precisely the most interesting point. In a world that changes so rapidly, the real difference is not made solely by technology or an international presence. It is made by attitude.

That of those who, as Cini says, choose to remain ‘hungry’. Not to settle for less. To continue to understand, improve and push themselves a little further.

Listen to the podcast here: https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/41f421cf-7096-40e7-97a5-41f90de098d9/episodes/a9fdc451-b703-416a-80e6-de971fae1ec0/challenge-challenge-%E2%80%93-puntata-90-umberto-cini-dulevo-international