FIAT PROFESSIONAL: Q&A with Richard Chamberlain
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Exciting eDucato is ready to take Europe’s LCV sector by storm One notable absentee from this year’s CV Show was Fiat Professional. But with a host of new models coming online and some exciting developments with electric trucks and vans, there’s still plenty to showcase, as Richard Chamberlain, Managing Director, Fiat Professional & Stellantis LCV Director, explained to Andrew Walker
CC&V: Fiat Professional refrained from taking a stand at the recent CV Show. What were the reasons behind that decision? Richard Chamberlain: It was a very difficult decision not to attend, especially after so many years supporting the show, however, it also seems many other businesses took a similar decision with the size of the show. When we had to commit to the investment Covid was still a concern and it wasn’t clear where this was going, we couldn’t afford to take the risk in losing the money; attending such a show is always a large investment and it was decided we’d deploy the budget in other ways. CC&V: You and I both saw the eDucato in Turin over two years ago – and I’m delighted that it has finally arrived in the UK. What are your expectations volume-wise for this new model and how is supply as we look to 2022? Yes, finally it’s arrived! Clearly Covid-19 has caused a significant delay to the finalisation of the product and the start of production. Our network now have their demo vehicles, we’re talking to many customers and the initial feedback has been very positive in terms of range and payload capabilities. We have some strong plans for 2022 and supply looked good, then the next challenge is
thrown in the direction of the automotive sector with the supply constraints due to the raw materials and semiconductor shortage. However, all being well as we enter 2022 we hope that this situation vastly improves; please be assured we are planning on a strong supply of vehicles and sales CC&V: Do you feel that the eDucato’s increased battery range over its competitors will give it an edge in the large electric van sector? It’s not just the 79Kw battery that is the vehicle’s strength, ensuring we are at the upper end of all manufacturers on range, but the 17m3 space and up to 1735 kg payload. Add in the city range of up to 293kms and it really is a class act. It also comes with connected services included, allowing you to monitor the vehicle’s performance, set charging schedules, pre-conditioning the batteries prior to the start of the day and optimising the performance of your fleet. CC&V: Ducato 8 has also just been launched. What are your hopes for this much-improved Ducato and do you feel that diesel still has a big part to play in the UK van world, at least for the time being?
Within the world of large commercial vehicles, the sector has only just started the EV journey, so absolutely I still feel there is a massive opportunity for diesel, although electric is on the rise. There are many sectors that still need the flexibility of the longer range, especially if they are trunking the UK or into Europe. Motorhomes don’t necessarily lend themselves perfectly to EVs today, for example. The latest version of the European bestselling large van is a big step up; the new powertrain not only improves the fuel economy but reduces noise levels. Lots of new technology has been added that makes the life of the driver more relaxing and comfortable, with advanced features that are more expected to be found in the latest cars, such as Sat Nav with up to 10” screens, full brake control, lane keep assistance, keyless entry and ignition. CC&V: Now you are part of Stellantis, will Fiat Professional be gaining any new vans, diesel or electric, built on the same platform as your PSA Group brethren, and if so, when? Yes, it’s exciting times ahead with the merger of FCA and PSA Groupe to form one of the largest global automotive companies under the Stellantis banner. In the UK, this now means Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat are now under the same organisation. Clearly we’ll be looking to drive synergies between the brands and maximise the potential. Fiat has been working with Peugeot and Ctroen in the past on the shared Ducato platform, however, I believe the scale of Stellantis will allow us to be more focused on supporting customers and fine-tuning our market proposition.We’ve just seen the introduction of the new Vauxhall Movano on the large van platform and we’ll see other vehicles transition to shared platforms and powertrains over the next couple of years. More news will follow by the end of this year.
It’s not just the 79Kw battery that is the vehicle’s strength but the 17m3 space and up to 1735 kg payload. Add in the city range of up to 293kms and it really is a class act.
44 | October 2021 | Company Car & Van
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