FIAT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AT THE CV SHOW

Fiat Auto (UK), which posted a company record for UK commercial vehicle sales last year with 10,673 units, will be strongly represented at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham's NEC (Stand No.318, Hall 9, 23-25 March 2004).

Fiat commercial vehicle sales rose by over 25% in 2003 compared with the previous year, resulting in a 3.61% UK market share. The key factor in this significant growth is the success of an award-winning range of products which are present in every sector of the LCV market. Sales of the Ducato range were up by 41%, Doblò Cargo sales up by 34% and Scudo sales increased by around 12%.

In addition, sales through the dealer network rose by 13%, sales to the motorhome industry grew by 39%, and Fiat's new specialist fleet department boosted fleet sales by an impressive 71.3%.

Planned volume for 2004 is in the region of 11,000 vans and a market share of just over 4%. This conservative forecast is underwritten by the recent arrival of the new Scudo and Doblò Cargo JTD models, the new Punto Van equipped with Fiat's new 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel engine, and the success of the award-winning Ducato range.

With an expanding dealer network, reliable performance and a value for money line-up, which is being acclaimed by press and customers alike, Fiat commercial vehicle sales are set to grow further in 2004. And backing it all up is an extension to Fiat's free manufacturer and dealer warranty, which now includes three years' AA Assurance as well.

Making its UK public debut at the Show is the new Fiat Scudo which went on sale in the UK on 14 February 2004. Two versions will be on the stand.

The new range now on offer has made the vehicle more stylish, comfortable and safe. The new model's ergonomics and acoustic comfort also make it a veritable benchmark for its sector.

New Scudo's winning features include the ability to carry a payload of up to 900 kg and up to 4 cubic metres of effective volume; generously sized sliding side doors and two rear side-hinged doors; ample width between the wheel arches and reduced ground clearance for easier goods loading and unloading operations. The roomy, well-lit cabin is thoroughly sound-proofed to offer passenger room and driving comfort levels comparable to those of an up-to-date car. Air conditioning is available as an option.

New Scudo features a restyled front end, new bumpers, wings and light clusters with integral indicators. The grille is enclosed by a stylish body-coloured frame.

Black side protection strips stand out on the side panels. The new strips, present throughout the range, give the model greater solidity and protect all exterior body parts from small bumps in town traffic and during parking manoeuvres.

The four-spoke steering wheel with soft padding is new; its diameter is 380 mm and the ergonomic rim offers excellent grip similar to that of a car. The steering wheel can house the controls of the new radio with CD player, when a driver's airbag is fitted.

Seats have been redesigned and incorporate new floor fastenings. The seats offer better lateral containment and improved driving comfort.

Durable, well proven, quiet and environmentally friendly engines assure spirited performance, with particularly low running costs.

The two 2.0 JTD turbodiesels with common rail direct injection offer: outstanding power; high torque from low speeds; low fuel consumption and an oil change interval extended from 12,000 to 18,000 miles. Emissions have been slashed through the use of an oxidising catalytic converter, pinpoint injection control and the adoption of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.

The power units, all teamed with durable 5-speed gearboxes are as follows:

Aspirated 69 bhp 1.9 D 8v with prechamber;

109 bhp 2.0 JTD 8v;

109 bhp 2.0 JTD 16v (Combi Version)

The two 2.0 JTD turbodiesel engines incorporate common rail technology that has proved such a hit in recent years. In 2002, Fiat was awarded the prestigious Economist Innovation Award, (Energy and Environment category), for its ground-breaking work in developing the common rail diesel technology that is now used by every major European car maker, and which has revolutionised diesel engines, enabling them to set new dynamics standards.

The New Scudo is now even safer, thanks to outstanding visibility, space, and a driving position suited to customers of all sizes. Category-topping acoustic and climatic comfort complete the picture.

The front brakes are also new: the system has been updated through the addition of ventilated discs (285 mm in diameter and 26 mm thick) and callipers as fitted to the New Ulysse. This allows a significant increase in performance in terms of efficiency, braking capacity and durability. For customers, this means shorter stopping distances, sharper braking and greater safety.

A 4-channel ABS anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD) is available across the range.

A driver's airbag is standard on Combi versions. Passenger airbag and sidebags are available to special order.

An FPS Fire Prevention System is fitted as standard across the range.

Three versions of Fiat Auto's award-winning Ducato range, revised versions of which went on sale in the UK in May 2002, will also be on the Fiat stand. They include a Ducato 11 SWB Van equipped with a 2.3 JTD engine, a Ducato 2.8 JTD Chassis Cab with factory fitted dropside, and a Ducato Double Crew Cab fitted with a Razorback body.

Fiat Auto's latest version of Ducato has set new standards in transport productivity, in driver comfort and convenience, and in safety.

The Fiat Ducato is class-leading in terms of performance, reliability and economy, thanks to a range of engines that includes the Sofim 110 bhp 2.3 JTD 16v, two other common rail direct injection turbodiesels, (2.0 JTD and 2.8 JTD), and a petrol-driven 2.0 unit.

The Sofim 2.3-litre JTD engine has a maximum power output of 110 bhp (81 kW) and torque of 270 Nm (27.5 kgm), both achieved at low revs - 3600 rpm for power and 1800 rpm for torque. Not only does this promote smooth driving characteristics in all situations, but it uses 16 per cent less fuel than the Sofim 2.8-litre normally aspirated diesel, that it replaces.

The engine is a very reliable power unit, requiring little maintenance. Service intervals are substantially longer - an oil and filter change is needed only at 18,000 miles, compared to 6000 miles on the previous 2.8 D engine.

Fiat Auto's Ducato was voted joint winner of What Van? magazine's Large Panel Van of the Year for 2002 and was again Highly Commended in 2003.

Also making their debut at the show will be three versions of the new Fiat Doblò Cargo range, a 1.9 JTD SX with the optional High Roof, one equipped with the company's revolutionary 1.3 MultiJet 16-valve engine, and another 1.9 JTD SX fitted with a chilled/fridge conversion.

The new range features updated style and equipment, the revolutionary 1.3 MultiJet 16-valve engine (available from May) - the best small turbodiesel the automotive industry can offer - and a 1.9 JTD with increased maximum power and torque (100 to 105 bhp and 200 to 205 Nm) but fuel consumption slashed by 10%.

There are also new body colours and a two-tone facia (dark grey at the top, blue at the bottom) with a brand new instrument panel incorporating a rev counter and trip computer on all bar the 1.9 diesel version. The cloth used for the seats and front door panels has also been improved.

The 70 bhp 1.3 MultiJet 16v, available in May, is the smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection diesel power unit. A veritable distillate of technology in miniature, it weighs just 130 kg with tiny dimensions (50 cm long and 65 cm high), and its components are laid out to take up the least possible room.

Designed to ensure the greatest efficiency and reliability, this is the most powerful four-cylinder diesel power unit with a fixed geometry turbine. It is designed for an effective lifetime of 150,000 miles, and the mechanical parts do not require any maintenance (even the fan belt change at 50,000 miles has been done away with).

Doblò Cargo JTD is well positioned against its immediate competitors, and together with a class-leading load capacity of 3.2-3.8 cubic metres, a choice of 605 to 805 kg payloads, and twin sliding doors available as an option (standard on the SX version), Doblò Cargo represents a strong proposition for commercial vehicle users.

The Fiat Doblò Cargo has received critical acclaim from the commercial vehicle press, which has praised its driveability, features, class-leading payload and load volume. Indeed, the Doblò Cargo JTD won the small van category in Commercial Motor magazine's Testers' Choice 2003. This followed on from being voted the Editor's choice at the 2002 Commercial Fleet World honours ceremony in 2002.

Completing the Fiat Auto (UK) line-up will be another debutant, a 1.3 MultiJet 16v turbodiesel engine version of the new car-derived Punto Van.

The new Punto Van offers class leading comfort, economy, reliability and safety. It is available with two engine options, both economical and efficient:

1242 cc (60 bhp) Petrol

1248 cc (70 bhp) MultiJet 16v Diesel

The new Punto Van features changes to the front, sides and rear and its overall length. The new Punto Van is now 40 mm longer than its predecessor, at 3840 mm. However, this results from a longer nose section - the internal dimensions remain the same.

The new Punto Van features a restyled front end, redesigned headlight clusters, revised rear bumpers with built-in reflectors, rear light clusters that now extend into the tailgate, and a new round Fiat badge that is located centrally on the tailgate.

The new Punto Van features an updated display panel with new graphics. This includes a speedometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter and clock in the digital panel, plus numerous warning lights.

Fiat's new 1.3 MultiJet 16-valve engine is the smallest, most advanced and sophisticated common rail direct injection diesel engine currently on the market. The 1.3 MultiJet engine has 11% more power, 44% more torque and 28% better fuel economy than the 1.9 diesel it replaces.

The new Punto Van's suspension settings have been revised to reduce vibration and improve ride quality.

ends...

For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director

or

Puneet Joshi Press Officer

Fiat Auto (UK) Limited

Tel: 01753 511431

Fax: 01753 516871

E-mail addresses: peter.newton@fiat.com/puneet.joshi@fiat.com

This press release and photograph are also available on www.newspress.co.uk

Further information can also be obtained on www.fiatautopress.com

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