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Fiat's renaissance in the light commercial sector has been nothing short of dramatic, with Doble Cargo leading the way. Fiat Professional UK boss Gerry Clarke explains how customer focus is the key...
Welcome to our Fiat Doblo Cargo supplement where Commercial Motor gets up close and personal with the winner of the 2011 International Van of the Year.
Fiat pulled out all the stops to improve a model that was already award-winning and as you progress through our conversations with its creators, its users and our very own road test, you'll see why the judges liked it.
Aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing, with great payload, the Doblo Cargo nevertheless delivers the Holy Grail of fleet procurement: excellent fuel efficiency. When whole life costs are more important than initial outlay, no one can afford to ignore the reduced fuel bills the Coble Cargo promises.
Environmental concerns are also high on buyers' lists and with low carbon output, Euro-5 compatibility and its respect for fossil fuels, the new Dobld Cargo meets every requirement.
Whether you are a fleet buyer or an ownerdriver we aim to answer all your questions about whether the Dobla Cargo could find a place in your firm. The owners we've spoken to describe a van that's versatile, reliable and combines power with economy. It's a willing worker and can be turned to a variety of tasks with enough loads pace to give you plenty of options for cargo and internal modifications.
If there is one caveat we would mention, it's about the dynamics of fleet purchase. While finance directors look at purchase price, fleet engineers care more about fuel usage and repair bills. Consider our guide to the Doblo Cargo and see if you can't find a van that might keep both departments happy.
When the Fiat Doblo Cargo was crowned 2011 International Van of the Year at the Hanover truck show, it capped a dramatic rise in fortunes for the Italian-built midrange van. Five years ago its predecessor was crowned top van in Europe and to win again is no mean achievement. Furthermore, during the intervening five years, Doblb Cargo has thrust itself into the market and now not only commands respect from its competitors and customers, but has also achieved monthly market share as high as 11.2% of its sector.
"Doblb Cargo is very much a van for these times," says Gerry Clarke, director responsible for Fiat Professional. "It's adaptable. flexible, robust, efficient and, above all else, is absolutely in-line with the modern-day customer's requirements."
New Dob16 Cargo was launched in 2010. While there is only a 3% carry-over of parts from old to new, the character of the vehicle as a trusty, hard-working product remains. Maximum payload is an unrivalled I ,000kg in the long wheelbase Maxi Van version, while the 4.2m3 of loadspace also puts it towards the top of its league.
The interior dimensions of the Doble Cargo are impressive with the width between the wheelarches at 1,230nun and a rear door aperture to match. The wheel arches give minimal loadspace intrusion and the sliding side door is an impressive 700mm-wide to aid loading from the pavement.
Wide range
Under the bonnet, Doble Cargo is powered by a choice of petrol or diesel motors, although the former is rarely seen in UK specs these days. The entry diesel model comes with the 90hp 1.3-litre diesel, packing 200Nm of torque. Next comes the I05hp, 290Nm 1.6-litre diesel, while the range is topped off by the new 135hp 2.0-litre motor giving 320Nm of torque. The latter is only available in the emissions-beating Euro-5 standard, while the other motors are also available at Euro-4.
At Euro-5 all Doblo Cargos get Start&Stop auto shut-off and restart technology. This cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary, restarting again automatically when the driver asks for power, and can cut fuel consumption by up to 15%, as well as giving a 4% CO2 reduction.
"Every detail of the Dohle Cargo is focused on delivering maximum benefit to our customers," Clarke continues. "Whether it's the load capability in the long wheelbase version; the manoeuvrability of the short wheelbase; or the fantastic. high-quality interior layout, nothing is overlooked.
"We now have a new chassis-cab version of the Doble Cargo, a first in this sector, which further unlocks the flexibility and allows our customers to equip the vehicle with a range of bodywork options." he adds.
Customer needs At the Hanover truck show Fiat was exhibiting a pick-up version of the van and, while this was a platformcab conversion, rather than a chassis-cab, it illustrates Fiat's intent with the product.
"Naturally, we're very pleased with the success of Doble Cargo," says Clarke, "as it demonstrates that we are fully aligned with the needs of our customers. This success isn't down to price we're not the cheapest it's because we're listening to what our customers require and have delivered against it with a high-quality solution."
Furthermore, along with the product developments, Fiat has moved to boost its network offering. The Fiat Professional UK network recognises that commercial vehicle operators require premium after
sales support to provide an ondemand response. It is orientated to the needs of the business user, and now numbers 155 full dealers and 47 additional service outlets.
-Our Professional network understands the specific demands of the trade customer," Clarke explains, and has the services to match. Extended hours of opening, fully equipped workshops, improved parts availability and the deployment of courtesy vehicles these are all aimed at ensuring the customer conies first." •