29.04.2004 Fiat have beaten their rivals to introduce as a production option an overtaking sensor which features on the revised Ducato light commercial van

Fiat have beaten their rivals to introduce as a production option an overtaking sensor which features on the revised Ducato light commercial van.

They become the first manufacturer to introduce onto the market the camera-utilising overtaking sensor, ahead of Volvo, renown for pioneering safety features, who showed their revised BLIS system earlier this year at the North American Motor Show in Detroit, and expect to have it incorporated into their production plans before the end of the year.

The detectors utilise cameras fitted onto the side rear view mirrors that warn the driver that another vehicle is in the blind spot area. It also warns the driver that there is a faster vehicle about to overtake and that it is travelling at a faster speed, so issuing a warning not to change lanes.

The new class leading Ducato for 2004 offers enhanced aesthetics and was styled jointly with Giugiaro's Italdesign studio with the cab fully redesigned for superior habitability and muted running.

The new Ducato ensures the safety and comfort of a higher-class sedan, thanks to its range of innovative equipment. As well as the overtaking sensor, the light commercial features a rear-mounted camera, Cruise Control, and Connect, the three-level info-telematic system offering GPS navigator, Internet connection, road-side service, fleet management and traffic information.