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Fiat sold a
record number of commercial vehicles in Italy during
September, claiming 41.8 percent of all sales. While the
struggles of Fiat's carmaking activities have continued to
grab the headlines, its light commercial vehicle division
has gone from strength to strength.
Last month 7,462 new commercial vehicles were delivered to
Italian customers, and Fiat performed remarkably well to
grab a market-leading 41.8 pct. In the first nine months of
2005 (Jan-Sep) Fiat's market share averages at 40.8 pct (up
from 39.5 pct for Jan-Sep 2004).
The main contributor is the Ducato panel van which continues
to be Italy's best seller, notching up a record number of
deliveries between January and September. The Ducato will be
replaced next March by a new model, once again engineered in
conjunction with the PSA Peugeot- Citroen.
The Doblo Cargo also shone in Italy last month, and this
popular model is set to be replaced by a revised new version
which arrives on the market for the first time this month.
Since the Doblò was launched in 2000, the light market van
sector has seen many and varied newcomers.
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Fiat are now less than a year away from launching a
totally new Ducato van engineered once more in
collaboration with LCV partners, PSA Peugeot
Citroën. Photo:
ilPistone.com |
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The new Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD Power 146 CVs with
turbine to varying geometry versions have significantly
contributed to the success of Ducato, accounting for 15 pct
of the sales mix |
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Direct competitors now include the facelifted PSA Citroën Berlingo
and Peugeot Partner, the facelifted Renault Kango, a new GM Opel/Vauxhall
Combi, the Ford Courier, and the new Volkswagen Caddy.
The facelifted Doblò is therefore an important move for Fiat
as it wants to remain competitive in this highly contended
market. Changes include a new exterior design focusing
on the front and rear of the vehicle. New clear lens
headlamps, bumpers and bonnet aim to give the Doblò a
cleaner, more car-like look. The new look is prettier
and less daring than the original in an attempt to lure
potential buyers closer, which will be beneficial seeing
that the Doblò is particularly well equipped compared to its
main competitors. The new exterior
design also aims to give the car a higher EuroNCAP crash
test rating for pedestrian safety.
Meanwhile Iveco - Fiat's large vans, trucks and buses
division - followed up its market spike during August by registering another healthy
sales rise in September, when it was up 10.9 pct year-on-year.
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