07.12.2003 FIAT AT THE 28TH BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW: NEW MODELS JOIN THE AUTONOMY PROGRAM

To focus the attention of the Bologna Motor Show's large and youthful audience on their autonomy program, the Fiat Group has set up a stand of more than 200 square metres devoted to their autonomy vehicles.

Fiat has now been promoting this initiative for eight years with the aim of producing individual and collective services and vehicles for people with reduced motor capacities and to help disabled people become mobile. Fiat considers that guaranteeing mobility to all is not simply a great moral and civil aim, a goal the entire community must strive for, but also a fundamental premise for economic and cultural development in present-day society.

On its Autonomy stand at the 28th Bologna Motor Show Fiat Auto presents some examples of its range of cars and commercial vehicles for the disabled. All three brands are represented: Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo. The Autonomy programme is now an integral part of Fiat Auto's policies. All new Fiat models are planned from the design stage to ensure they are easily adaptable to special assisted mobility equipment. This commitment is also thanks to the special know-how acquired in the field and cooperation with the main body conversion specialists.

The best example of their commitment is the four cars on show in Bologna: a Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic, a Lancia Ypsilon 1.3 Multijet 16v with Dual Function gearbox, a Fiat Idea 1.4 Dynamic and a Doblò 1.9 D designed for the transport of the disabled. These stars of the Autonomy stand all offer great roominess and excellent accessibility. They are also equipped with numerous devices that help everyone (but particularly the disabled) perform parking manoeuvres, change gear, open and close doors, start the car and adjust the driver's seat.

These new models have aroused the interest of the public and press since they were first launched and can be seen here fitted with certain special devices. Namely an electronic accelerator ring, a device that converts an accelerator pedal into a steering wheel control and a long-armed service brake that converts a pedal brake into a manual control near the steering wheel. And more: an electric turn and slide rear side door allows a wheelchair to be fitted more easily between the car's front and rear seats - while an automatic electronic clutch changes gear without the need for a clutch pedal by simply flicking or touching a switch on the gearlever.

These vehicles, like all others in the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia range, may be fitted with such special devices to facilitate driving for the disabled. All these devices are easy to install and fit perfectly into the passenger compartment without impairing car user-friendliness, passenger room, comfort and safety. They can also be fitted alongside standard controls to enable the car to be driven by people without motor difficulties as well. They can also be easily removed with the advantage that the car can be sold as a specially-equipped car or a normal car.

The stand also houses the disabled transport vehicle par excellence. A 1.9 D version of the Fiat Doblò with glazed high top and high rear side-hinged doors that allow a wheelchair direct access to the vehicle by virtue of the 25 centimetres of extra space at the top. Rear access is made possible by a single-armed lift with a load capacity of 181 kg and reduced dimensions. The laminated wood rear floor is covered with linoleum and equipped with guides and hooks to anchor the wheelchair during transport. The double rear bench (that replaces the single seat) also allows the wheelchair to be arranged to the right of the vehicle thus allowing more space and visibility for the disabled person. The metal high top is fitted with a generous smoked front window (to protect the occupants from sunlight) and two long side windows that give a good view outside. The rear opening height (1450 millimetres compared to 1265 for the Fiat Scudo) and the maximum load compartment height (1550 millimetres compared to 1415 on the Scudo) set the Fiat Doblò at first place in its category in terms of rear accessibility and interior roominess.