Continue reading Video: Fiat takes on 'The Office' with online fleet management sitcom

Video: Fiat takes on 'The Office' with online fleet management sitcom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're by no means experts on European commercial vehicles, but it would seem that White Van Men on the continent are about to be inundated with new product choices, while their Stateside counterparts continue to make due largely by choosing between a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, or Ford's jurassic Econoline. In just the past month or so, we've seen a fresh-faced Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat's new Ducato (along with its Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer twins), and now Vauxhall is set to market a revamped Vivaro.

The Vauxhauler receives an exterior once-over, keeping its distinctive bubble roofline, but adding new light fixtures front and rear and a new V-shaped grille.

Inside, upholstery and trim materials have been upgraded, with faux metal trim and chrome-ringed gauges, and a new range of infotainment options available.

Later in 2006, buyers will have their choice of a revamped engine range as well, including a pair of new 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesels or a tidied-up 2.5-liter CDTi, all yoked to six-speed manual gearboxes.

[Source: Transport News Network]

Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Fiat debuts Ducato "Truckster" concept

Fiat debuts Ducato "Truckster" concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We first showed you a sneak peak of Fiat's new Ducato commercial truck when a small photo first surfaced on the Internet back in mid-March. But with the official unveiling of the lineup, a brace of new, larger snapshots have become available, along with the range's full story. As we reported earlier, van buyers will have the choice of three wheelbases and heights, along with four lengths. Those just purchasing the chassis (for fitment of aftermarket configurations like a flatbed or Ambulance) will have five lengths tied to four wheelbase options.

The Ducato's fortunes are pivotal to Fiat, with 1.7 million units shifted over the last 25 years. Check out more photos inside and out, along with the press materials at the link.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Fiat's Ducato officially released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 May 2006 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fiat's new Ducato has been unveiled in advance of its European debut. The commercial van will be twinned with models the automaker's PSA partners, Peugeot and Citroen. The joint venture project is part of the Sevel group (Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri - European Light Vehicle Company, an arrangement created in 1978.

A full range of bodystyles, capacities and drivetrains will be offered, including four wheelbases and overall heights, seven different cargo area sizes, and five chassis lengths. A quartet of diesel engine options will be available, yoked to five or six-speed transmissions.

Available creature comforts will include an MP3-compatible stereo and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability.

More details and specifications at the link.

[Source: car.co.nz]

Fiat unveils new Ducato commercial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Volkswagen formally rolled out its new Crafter van to crowds at the Commercial Vehicles show in Britain on Monday.

The top rung of VW's commercial range replaces the LT, a long-running model that only saw two generations over the course of 31 years. The Crafter successor seen here goes on sale in Blighty this September, and will be offered with a range of four and five cylinder engines, along with a full range of body configurations, including three different wheelbases, four compartment sizes and three roof heights. Not enough? The Crafter will be available as a panel van, double cab van and a chassis cab.  A six speed manual will be standard-fit, but an 'automated manual transmission' (read: DSG/S-Tronic) will also be available. The smaller Volkswagen Caddy was launched with the slick transmission last year, which suggests that it's more durable and versatile than car enthusiasts might've been led to believe.

Interestingly, Volkswagen is also releasing a Sportline model, complete with revised facia, Eibach springs, 18" Borbet wheels, and options like a "Golf GTI style leather interior" and iPod adapter. The model is pitched as a novel alternative to Gen-X 'extreme sports' types who need room for lifestyle accessories (lots of 'em, apparently).

The German automaker has been increasing its UK commercial presence nicely, with six years of consecutive growth and a record 23,065 registrations notched for 2005.

Check out the link for full press release and specs.

[Sources: Easier.com; Volkswagen]

Volkswagen Crafter seeking commercial buyers and X-Games athletes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.