Ask The Best And Brightest: Could This Become The Littlest Ram?
First of all, let’s not fool ourselves: this is quite the hypothetical question. For one thing, Fiat is unlikely to federalize the Doblo cargo van that this “Work Up” is based upon until a subsequent generation comes out. In the meantime, the only Fiat Professional vehicle the US market will be getting anytime soon (thanks to CKD production at Warren Truck, according to Allpar) is the Ducato van, which competes fairly directly with Daimler’s Sprinter. But, hypothetically, could this Doblo “Work Up” find a market in the US? Let’s look at what it offers…
Its most powerful engine in the U.K. is the 1.6 liter, stop-start-equipped, Euro-5 compliant diesel with 105 HP and 213 ft-lbs … and that starts at £17,065 ($27,759 , in direct-conversion)… but there’s also a 2.0 oil-burner with 135 hp and 236 ft-lbs in the Fiat Professional quiver. Fiat Professional claims a 1,000 kg payload (about 2,200 lbs) and up to 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) “load on rear axle,” so it’s no slouch. But between the vagaries of currency and efficiency (the 1.6 and 2.0 get 45.2 MPG and 42 MPG respectively on the European combined cycle, the latter being equivalent to the European Cruze 2.0 diesel MT), and the question of production siting, it’s difficult to put together a specific scenario for this coming to the US. But if it did, it would make even the most far-away CAFE standards look pretty mild (even though Chrysler’s once-questionable hybrid pickup drivetrain already does). On the other hand, it would also make the Ram Tradesman look like a screaming deal even though it offers “only” 1,860 lbs in maximum payload (it’s a much better towing machine). So don’t hold your breath… and if you need an efficient commercial vehicle in the meantime, well, there’s always the brand-new Caravan Cargo Van!
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Not for Men on Ego Trips or those looking for fashion statements. Cowboys replacing their Horse need not apply either. The market for the Doblo in cargo van, Passenger and this new pint size flatbed has to be there focusing on fleet users. Their buyers can clearly see an advantage in fuel savings and having the same vehicle in different forms yet basically the structure to perform multiple functions. For personal use the passenger van version would be great as commuter vehicle with space, FWD and outstanding MPG. The flatbed for people who can’t see commuting in an F-150 yet love some utility flexability. A stretch example would be to look at Coupe, Sedan, Wagon and convertible Audi A4/5. Just pick your flavor. They are all there. Build in Mexico - Maybe next generation and price at the affordable end of the market a clear winner for function. HOWEVER..... This form is already here called the Ford Connect and I see lot's on them in the urban areas. Rural areas? Not much. Ford did not bother bringing a high MPG Diesel yet. What do they knew that we don't about market potential? Maybe a Ford sales person can share thoughts...
I think this is a great idea. It would definitely be a niche player, but I think there would be a demand for it in the urban settings. I could see City State parks departments using this type of runaround vehicle, hobby farmers, etc. And if sold as a cab and chassis, its a competitor to the Ford Transit Connect. Probably easy to import from Fiat Do Brasil or Fiat De Mexico. Would be a nice market niche that Ram could have to themselves for a bit.