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august 26, 2016 - Fiat Professional

Fiat Professional at the 2016 Caravan Salon Düsseldorf

From 27 August to 4 September, the German city of Düsseldorf will host the #caravansalon, the world's largest #event dedicated to caravanning and open-air tourism. Fiat Professional certainly could not miss this prestigious #event, as ever, the sixth edition of the best-seller #ducato is the ideal chassis base for all open-air tourism enthusiasts. Its many body variants, the square and regular shape of the loading compartment, the efficient chassis and the car-like driving have made it the first choice chassis for the main European motorhome producers.

Looking back over Ducato's history from a technical point of view also means retracing the evolution of motorhome holidaying. Today, the new Euro6 Multijet2 engines are top in class in terms of fuel efficiency and deliver high torque at low rpms, a feature which is highly appreciated by motorhome drivers. The 130, 150 and 180 Multijet2 engines are also available with "Comfort Matic" robotised gearbox for relaxing driving and also available with safety and driving assist systems.

Furthermore, also thanks to continuous improvements to the vehicle - the only base born to be a motorhome - #ducato is being reconfirmed as the ideal base also for the camper #van segment, which is experiencing continual growth.
The brand Fiat Professional also offers an array of integrated solutions and dedicated services created with Mopar to deliver to the end customers peace of mind during their holidays.
So, driving a motorhome on a #ducato base means having access to more technological and environment-friendly engines, to enjoy  comfort and a wide range of services 

From 35 years, when it was born with #ducato, holidaymakers can enjoy More than Freedom, direct and exciting contact with nature and the luxury of choosing when to stop: these are all the ingredients of the increasing popularity of the recreational vehicle lifestyle.
The recreational vehicle industry will reach in 2016 a record in term of registration, Fiat Professional - which introduces this year its "full liner" range will also achieve a record registration of #ducato motorhome base.

 

Ducato: the only base born to be a motorhome

Ducato is set to be the undeniable star of the German Salon, with 4 motorhome bases on display to the general public: from the short wheelbase glazed #van, to the various  chassis cab options with lowered "special" chassis. Those vehicles displayed at Düsseldorf also illustrate an extensive range of outstanding practical features to make #ducato the perfect motorhome base, such as the infotainment system, the parking sensor to assist with reversing and the pivoting "captain's chair" seats.

 

This is just a small part of the Ducato's extraordinary specific "motorhome base" range, the widest and most comprehensive range in its segment, with 5 wheelbases, 6 different chassis lengths and 4 engine options. In total, by combining different bodies, capacities and engines, a record number of 600 specific motorhome versions can be achieved.

And that's not all, the specific motorhome range has been extended even further together with the launch of the sixth generation #ducato, for example, the following useful and appreciated technologies have been introduced:

  • rear suspension in composite material to reduce kerb weight;
  • total payload up to 4.4 tons on the #ducato motorhome base Maxi versions;
  • the 16" wheels available on the standard #ducato range, also in alloy;
  • reinforced front suspension for motorhome versions with high gross vehicle weight;
  • the introduction in the factory (SEVEL) of another interface variant for the installation of AlKo AMC chassis for further weight optimisation;

Thirty-five years ago, when it was born,  Ducato revolutionized the high-capacity #van market with its front-wheel drive, engine power and spacious loading area. And the revolution continued.
During the first six months of 2016, the Fiat #ducato was the highest selling vehicle in Europe in the "2.8 - 4.0 tons" category- overall #lcv including motorhomes.  A success which is backed up by the fact that the #ducato base has been at the top of its segment for years, as well as being the chassis of reference for all European motorhome manufacturers. And it's no coincidence that over the past ten years, more than 500,000 families have chosen to travel on board of motorhomes built on #ducato bases, enjoying their holidays in complete confidence and total peace of mind. This is the result of the unique experience and constant communication between Fiat Professional- with its engineers, designers and assistance specialists throughout Europe - and motorhome manufacturers, dealerships, journalists and customers.  Ducato base has achieved record sales on several European markets, and most notably in Germany - the continent's biggest market - where, from January to June 2016, more than 16.600 units were registered, an increase of more than 14% compared to the first half of 2015.

The various generations of the model have contributed to changing and improving the habits of motorhome users and their holiday experience by providing increasingly more specific answers to each of the many aspects of their lifestyle on-board. 
The sixth generation of the model is today the best solution to the requirements of handling, comfort, safety, performance, fuel-efficiency and environment-friendliness.
All the innovations to the engines contribute to consolidating the features of #ducato which have proven to be winning for motorhome owners year after year, specifically its square, box-shaped loading compartment, every centimeter of which can be cleverly exploited to make all the space available for holidays. What is more, #ducato has a small turning circle to facilitate any type of manoeuvre. The compact front end and cab have an extremely contained front overhang to the benefit of handling and optimized available living space.

Another strength of the model is precisely the peerless comfort in the cab and in the day zone for occupants: safe and enjoyable driving, swiveling "Captain Chair" seats, adjustable steering wheel and hydraulic power steering. The exceptionally balanced chassis and specific suspensions ensure safety and dynamic behavior in all road conditions.
Last but not least, it is packed with active and passive safety devices for travelling with confidence. Finally, #ducato satisfies a fundamental parameter for life on-board: outstanding ergonomics so that all controls are readily at hand and the available services can be easily managed with a smartphone or tablet

Ducato is packed with the equipment of a vehicle of superior level and state-of-the-art design.
As a whole, the exterior style stems from a cutting-edge "car design" which, teamed with the concept of a genuine light commercial vehicle, conveys a strong sense of dynamism, safety, quality and sturdiness. Consequently, the new Fiat Professional vehicle further develops the concept of "design meets functionality" which has always been a distinguishing feature of this model. Specifically, one of the features is the possibility of customizing the styling of the vehicle with a number of solutions: two different front grille colors, skid-plate, headlights with integrated DRL and the 16" alloy wheels.

 

Ducato: New Euro6 Engines

Technology which characterises the #ducato engines is the best example of the specific work focused on efficiency and eco-friendless. The engines, all Euro6 homologated, are provided with Low Pressure EGR technology (LPEGR), which intercepts the exhaust gases after the DPF and returns them to the combustion chamber via a low-pressure circuit. This system has two advantages: it abates NOx emissions by means of a lower combustion temperature and saves fuel by ensuring better efficiency of the turbine. LPEGR technology doesn't require AdBlue® tank and refilling. 

Furthermore, all the engines in line-up of #ducato are top in class in their power class in terms of fuel efficiency and delivery high torque at low rpms, which is a highly appreciated feature by motorhome drivers. The Multijet2 engine range delivers power from 115 to 180 HP: an offering capable of satisfying the most diverse needs of motorhome producers and end customers.

In detail, the 2-litre 115 Multijet2 is the most economic and eco-friendly of the range, ideal for camper vans. It has 115 HP and 290 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is reduced by 6 percent with respect to the previous Euro5+ version. It is now available with new six-speed gearbox and a right-hand drive version.
The 2.3-litre 130 Multijet2 engine is the ideal best-seller for medium-sized motorhomes: it is easy to drive in all conditions with a maximum torque of 320 Nm available already at 1800 rpm. It is ideal for mixed use: agile in traffic, brilliant on long hauls. Once again, fuel consumption is reduced by 3 percent with respect to the previous version.
The upgrades made to the 2.3 150 Multijet2 make this engine ideal also for chassis cab or cowl. The maximum torque is reaches 380 Nm, available from 1500 rpm. Also in this case, fuel consumption is reduced by 3 percent with respect to the previous Euro5+ version.

Finally, there is the powerful 2.3 180 Multijet2, ideal for large and heavy motorhomes and for users seeking the highest level of performance. It offers the same levels of torque and power as the previous 3.0 - namely, 180 HP and 400 Nm -, but consumes almost 20% less. This exceptional result is also obtained by means of a series of operations focused on improving the turbocharger aerodynamics, the special steel crankshaft, the reinforced pistons and the larger capacity fuel pump.
Other important news concerns the entire range: a new reinforced alternator available on request which reduces charging time by 10%, and a new dual mass flywheel on 150 and 180 Multijet2, which ensure less vibrations and consequently better driving and travelling comfort.

 

Ducato: Comfort-Matic robotised gearbox

All versions of the Fiat #ducato are equipped with a six speed manual gearbox as standard. Alternatively, for the 130 MultiJet2, 150 MultiJet2 and 180 MultiJet2 engines, the "Comfort-Matic" robotised gearbox is available, featuring both a specific motorhome set-up and an "automatic" mode for an even more relaxing drive, guaranteed.

In technical terms, the gearbox consists of a "traditional" mechanical transmission on which the manual linkage is replaced by actuators controlled electronically by a "TCU" (Transmission Control Unit) and offers 6 speeds (plus reverse) that work both in fully automatic mode - with specific mapping and ratios for the different types of use for which the #ducato is designed - and manual sequential mode. In manual mode, the driver is free to select the gear using the "joystick" gear lever on the dashboard. Naturally, there is no clutch pedal.
In addition to automatic and manual mode, the "Up" button on the dashboard also optimises gear changes in automatic mode when travelling with full loads and on gradients, ensuring the best engine operation on the most demanding roads.

Comfort-Matic not only makes driving more relaxing, it also reduces fuel consumption by up to 5%. And to reduce fuel consumption even further, all versions of #ducato feature the Gear Shift Indicator solution, which helps to optimise driving style by suggesting the correct gear.

 

Ducato: safety and driving assist systems

Electronic stability control (ESC), which intervenes to control the vehicle's dynamic manoeuvres in emergency conditions, is available throughout the entire "motorhome base" range. A range of important safety functions form an integral part of the ESC, such as the anti-roll system to maximise comfort and reduce the risk of rollover; the gravity detection system (LAC - Load Adaptive Control) to adapt the ESC operation parameters to load conditions in real time; the system that assists uphill starts (Hill Holder); the anti-slip (ASR - Anti Slip Regulation) and drive torque control (MSR) systems, the electronic braking assistance system (EBA) and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD) that distributes the braking force over the four wheels to prevent them from locking and to guarantee total control of the vehicle in all conditions.

 

On request, the #ducato can also be fitted with additional driving aids. For example, it is the first vehicle in its class to be equipped with 'Traction+' with Hill Descent Control. In detail, Traction+ guarantees greater traction even on poor grip surfaces (such as with a wheel on snow or mud) without weighing down the vehicle and increasing running costs (which happens, for example, with 4x4 systems), while the Hill Descent Control becomes operational on steep descents to keep the speed within a pre-set limit. The speed is controlled by the ESC system, which applies the braking torque without the driver's intervention.

Last but not least, the Lane Departure Warning System and the system that automatically adjusts the vehicle's high beam based on the distance of the vehicles arriving from the opposite direction (High Beam Recognition) are also available.  The #ducato equipment is completed with Cruise Control, the programmable speed limiter, and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

 

Innovative services offered by Mopar for tranquil travels

The evolution of #ducato does not only concern technological content: the #ducato based motorhome continuously improves in terms of product, and so do the services which revolve around motorhome holidays. The ability to listen to Customers - which starts in Customer Care and continues in the Fiat Professional workshops - makes it possible to respond efficiently to current needs, but also to anticipate them.

In other words, through its partnership with Mopar - the reference brand for accessories, services, Customer Care and genuine spare parts for FCA brands - Fiat Professional is by the side of all customers with comprehensive and novel services. The basic assumption is that purchasing a motorhome means buying a holiday and not just a vehicle. For this reason, the service concept extends from product assistance to caring for customers on holiday with innovative ideas. More specifically, a dedicated extensive network, distributed along the routes most followed by motorhome users, competent and knowledgeable Customer Care dedicated to all motorhome owners and roadside assistance ready to spring into action across Europe and beyond.

Furthermore, there is a wide range of complete services all tailored to the needs of motorhome customers, from the Fiat Camper assistance to more innovative services, like the mobile application "Fiat #ducato Camper Mobile" which also provides tourist information and which has been downloaded by over 80,000 motorhome users and a dedicated website and Facebook fanpage,. Travelling in a #ducato Motorhome today brings with it the reassurance of having access to over 6,500 Fiat Professional service points, equipped for servicing and repairing Ducato-based motorhomes, of which over 1,800 Fiat Camper are specifically dedicated to motorhomes.

Today, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, users can call the dedicated roadside assistance and Customer Care centre and speak with one of the twenty Brand Ambassadors who have consolidated know-how on motorhome products and are ready to provide answers, in the caller's language, and quickly solve their problems by interfacing and coordinating with other teams within the organisation, if needed

The twenty Brand Ambassador are constantly trained and updated. They attend the major European sector trade shows to keep abreast and closely follow the world of motorhomes and their users.
Customer Care is increasingly integrated with roadside and workshop assistance: all motorhome end-users can rely on a mobile workshop ready to reach them in no less than 44 different countries. Telephone support provides updates on repair times and methods to the customer and active support to workshops to facilitate troubleshooting and ensure quick delivery of spare parts. These best practices as a whole have cut the average vehicle downtime by one day: overall, the service is extremely useful particularly for holidaymakers travelling abroad. 

The service range is truly complete: the Mopar Vehicle Protection offer "Maximum Care Camper" extended warranty- launched two years ago with an increasing interest from end-customer -  is a programme providing servicing coverage for all mechanical and electrical components of #ducato with various time and mileage options, available in the main countries according to the local regulation.  

A new service, called "Conciergerie" will be launched during the last quarter 2016 in Germany, UK and France and in the rest of Europe in 2017-  in addition to the current dedicated services , providing to the end customer  with a series of extra-services, for two years from the moment of purchasing their motorhome on #ducato base Euro6 engine : tourist information, camping site and parking area searches, transport and restaurants booking.

 

"Born to be professional": Fiat Professional introduces its "full liner" range

The brand has been continuously evolving to prepare to tackle the crucial challenges with new products, a novel, even more customer-oriented approach and the determination to open new roads in the global market.
Completely refreshed in just two years, the Fiat Professional line-up today has the right answers to all transport mission needs because all segments are covered. All body types, loading capacities and volumes, a complete choice of wheelbases, widths and height variants, in addition to high-efficiency engines and various fuels options (petrol, diesel, LPG and methane). What is more, the brand places assertive focus on "specialities", such as passenger transport and the world of recreational vehicles.

One of the new models included in the whole Fiat professional range is the #talento #van ( 2P #lcv segment). The Talento's features include great versatility and the ability to adapt to the most diverse needs of customers. Its name evokes the innate qualities of the vehicle and the concept of value by making reference to the name of an ancient coin as in the best Fiat Professional tradition. The moniker has high symbolic value and suggests what the vehicle can do, its abilities and - in short - its talent

From the exterior style standpoint, the #talento is compact and well-proportioned: the forward stretching windscreen pleasantly connects to the short bonnet and the overall effect is one of an imposing but dynamic front end. The design is horizontal with bold, clear-cut lines in keeping with the new family feeling of the Fiat Professional range and enhances the width of the vehicle and its loading capacity, clearly suggested by the square-shaped rear end, while conveying an idea of dynamism and stability. The features of the new model include: the front bumper in three variants (black, semi-painted or painted in the body colour); the upper grille and the bars in black or metallic silver; and the horizontal bar of the upper grille painted in metallic silver. Upon request, exclusive daylight LED headlights can be incorporated into the bumper. The look of the #talento is completed by 16" rim covers and 17" alloy wheel rims (diamond-finish grey or matt black).

Inside, the #talento has been designed to provide ultimate comfort and excellent ergonomics, as demonstrated by the shaped seats, which guarantee comfortable seating for all passengers, and the perfectly positioned steering wheel and controls which make everyday driving more relaxing and safe.
Elegance and painstaking care for details distinguish all three internal settings, which are available, depending on the trim levels in: "Carbon Black", with black dashboard and fabric; "Techno Silver", with black dashboard and instrument trim painted in silver; and lastly "Living Brown" with black/brown dashboard and glossy black trim with chrome-plated details.

 Talento is available in two wheelbases, two overall weights from 1 and 1,2 tons,  four engines: 1.6 MultiJet Turbo 95 HP, 1.6 MultiJet Turbo 120 HP; 1.6 EcoJet S&S TwinTurbo 125 HP and 320 Nm; and 1.6 EcoJe S&S TwinTurbo from 145 HP and 340 Nm.

The #talento displayed at Düsseldorf #caravansalon (long wheelbase, low roof) is specifically outfitted for exclusive shuttle services with six leather seats, swivelling second row, floor with rails and ABS lining and demonstrates the versatility of this new vehicle. #talento can also perfectly suit the recreational vehicle conversion and at the same time answers to a new type of customer who is looking for a  passenger car or transport vehicle during the week and recreational vehicle during the weekends and holidays.

Another new product is the #fullback - A brand new pick-up  that will be the  product "hero" of our stand  in Düsseldorf. Recreational vehicle  end users, passionate by "plein Air" activities, will have the opportunity to see the #fullback " Motocross World Championship " ( MXGP) version. In fact, Fiat Professional is the Official and Title Sponsor in three of main races of MXGP championship, in the UK, Belgium and Italy.

Fullback is available in a 4X2 version (rear drive) and a 4X4 version (four-wheel drive). The latter is undoubtedly the most suitable for those whose work involves them reaching areas far from asphalted roads, or who anyway need to tackle challenging off-road journeys. All the 4X4 versions come with an electronic selector which allows them to activate four-wheel drive in modality "part time" or "full time" 

The #fullback pick-up comes with a 2.4 litre turbodiesel common rail engine with two power and torque options: 150 HP with 380 Nm or else 180 HP with 430 Nm. This engine has an aluminium engine block with low weight and variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler that ensures maximum efficiency. It also comes in two types of transmission, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 

The range includes three configurations (chassis, extended cab and crew cab) and trims to suit all customer requirements and tastes. The standard accessory level is already outstandingly high, including ABS with EBD, TSA (Trailer Stability Assist - a system which boosts stability during towing), LDW (Lane Departure Warning), and seven Airbags (frontal, lateral, curtain and driver's knees).
Fullback can be also an opportunity as a recreational vehicle base for a customer who is looking for the most adventurous travels with peace of mind thanks to the dedicated pan European services.

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