FIAT PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW CONVERTED BUSINESS PROGRAMME

Fiat Professional today (23 April) launches a new, manufacturer-approved converted business programme which will allow customers to order fully converted vehicles directly from the factory.

Called 'Ready For Professionals' the new programme is designed to meet growing customer demand for officially converted Fiat Ducato-based vans and tippers. A range of conversions are available, in three different wheel-base options (3450mm, 3800mm and 4035mm), chassis cab and double cab, and with hundreds of customisations.

An extensive range of MultiJet II 2.3-litre engines - 130, 150 and 180hp - ensures that there is a power unit available for every purpose. Efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, dynamic and environmentally friendly, and Gear Shift Indicator.

The engines are fitted to a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Comfort-Matic manual robotised gearbox which, with two operating modes (sequential or automatic), can adapt to all driving styles.

Maximum comfort is assured with a host of standard and optional cab features such as heated and sprung seats, two-seater bench with folding table, tachograph, automatic climate control, and refrigerated compartment, while outside there are LED daytime running lights, retractable headlight washers, front fog lights and electric folding mirrors.

And, with safety in mind, the new range of converted vehicles come fitted with standard and optional features including Traction+, Hill Descent Control, Lane Departure Warning, Rain and Dusk Sensor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Holder and Roll Over Mitigation.

The Fiat Ducato has already proven itself as a perfect chassis for conversion, such as to a vehicle transporter, aerial platform outfit, minibus and ambulance. The new conversion programme will extend this even further.

Among the conversions available are:

• Dropside Truck with aluminium side panels
• Dropside Truck with all-steel side panels
• One- way Tipper
• Three-way Tipper
• Luton & Low Floor Luton
• Utility Cab (available with Double Cab Dropside/Tipper)

"This new generation of goods transport conversions for Fiat Ducato brings a whole new side to the range," says Richard Chamberlain, country manager, Fiat Professional UK. "The conversions will bring a new versatility along with technological innovations to the range, resulting in even greater enhancements to our customers' businesses.

"The comprehensive ranges on offer, coupled with different suspension options specific to varied usage, will make the Ducato conversions the ideal vehicles for any business. None of the engines requires AdBlue and, with a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and one-year roadside assistance, the range makes absolute financial sense too."

Vehicle conversions in detail:

Dropside Truck with aluminium side panels

- Available in MWB, LWB and Extra Long Wheelbase

- GVW: 3,500kg and 4,005kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130/150/180hp

- Max payload: 2,075kg

- Max load surface area: 8.5m²

The Ducato Dropside benefits from a protective resin-reinforced wooden floor, lightweight aluminium side panels and folding sides and rear. The flatbed load area also provides eight securing hooks for practicality and functionality. It's designed to allow users to load and unload large items easily thanks to its 400mm high aluminium folding side panels.

Dropside Truck with All-Steel side panels

- Available in MWB, LWB and Extra Long Wheelbase

- GVW: 3,500kg and 4,005kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130/150/180hp

- Max payload: 1,985kg

- Max load surface area: 8.5m²

The Ducato Dropside features a protective resin-reinforced wooden floor, all-steel heavy duty side panels and folding sides and rear. The flatbed load area also provides eight securing hooks for further practicality and functionality. It's designed to allow users to load and unload large items easily thanks to its 400mm high all-steel folding side panels.

One-way Tipper

- Available in MWB & LWB

- GVW: 3,500kg and 4,005kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130/150/180hp

- Max payload: 1,632kg

- Max load surface area: 6.8m²

Electro-hydraulic one-way tipper with steel bed and aluminium sides. It includes bulkhead with protective rack, side markers (standard on LWB) and Traction+. Key additional factory options include rear ladder rack, underfloor toolbox and two winches, and under-ride side guards. There is also a choice of a toolbox behind the cabin - half-height or full-height.

Three-way Tipper

- Available in MWB & LWB

- GVW: 3,500kg and 4,005kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130/150/180hp

- Max payload: 1,092kg

- Max load surface area: 6.8m²

Electro-hydraulic three-way tipper, with steel bed and aluminium sides. It includes bulkhead with protective rack, side markers (standard on LWB) and Traction+. Key additional factory options include rear ladder rack, underfloor toolbox and two winches, and under-ride side guards. There is also a choice of a toolbox behind the cabin - half-height or full-height.

Luton & Low Floor Luton

- Available in LWB and Extra Long Wheelbase

- GVW: 3,500kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130 & 150hp

- Max payload: 1,200kg

- Max load volume area: 21.5m³

The Ducato Luton offers a payload of up to 1,200kg and a large carrying capacity of up to 21.5m³. The superior build maximises the efficient transportation of large goods or objects in an optimised loading area thanks to its flat rectangular floor not hindered by wheel arches. This makes it perfect for moving furniture, home and office appliances and removals boxes.

Utility Cab (available with Double Cab Dropside/Tipper)

- Available in LWB

- GVW: 3,500kg and 4,005kg

- Engines: 2.3-litre 130/150/180hp

- Max load surface area: 5.9m²

Offering something unique to customers, the utility cab allows for a large and secure storage area behind the driver's cab. This enclosed space can house large tools and important equipment for every job.

More information:

Tom Johnston - Press Relations Manager +44 (0) 1753 519562 tom.johnston@fcagroup.com
Kate Saxton - PR Director +44 (0) 1753 519592 kate.saxton@fcagroup.com