09.09.2004 Highlights of this months Hanover Commercial Vehicle Motor Show will include the new Fiat Ducato Power 146bhp and the Doblò Cargo MY 2004 with the Multijet engine

The 60th edition of the Hanover International Motor Show, the most important light commercial vehicle showcase in Europe, will be held from 23 to 30 September.

This international event will attract large numbers of professional drivers and major commercial vehicle and light commercial vehicle manufacturers to the German city.

These will include Fiat Auto, which has always played a significant role in this market and will be represented at the German event by a broad array of its vehicle range for working people.

Highlights will include the new Fiat Ducato Power 146 bhp and the Doblò Cargo MY 2004 with Multijet engine: the most powerful version of the Fiat Light Commercial Vehicle bestseller and the most up-to-date and innovative of the Doblò Cargo range.

These major new products are joined by many other versions of the Ducato complete with standard specifications and options, the new Fiat Scudo and the Strada compact pick-up - unique for its category.

This huge array of products designed for a multitude of trades made Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles one of the biggest selling brands in Europe during the first half of 2004 with more than 113,800 units sold (+2.6% compared to 2003) and a market share of 11%.

In Germany, it remains the leading light commercial vehicle importer with a share of 13.4% and stands in overall third place behind Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. The fact that this result was achieved in a growth market makes it all the more impressive and it stands as evidence of the warm welcome customers reserve for Fiat branded light commercial vehicles.

The Ducato is the very epitome of this positive trend: the vehicle was the third biggest seller in the German market with sales of more than 14,000 during the first six months of 2004, 5.6% up on 2003. A few short months ago it was again voted 'Best light commercial vehicle of 2004' in the 'Importers' category by more than 10,000 German readers of 'trans aktuell', 'FERNFAHRER' and 'lastauto omnibus' who took part in the eighth edition of the competition. Not to mention the fact that more than 70% of European camper conversion workshops choose a Ducato as a base.

To consolidate its Italian leadership and to ensure steady European growth, Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles has outlined two key strategies: investment in new products and growth of the Dealer network.

Above all, investment. The past two years have seen major product renewal campaigns: the new Ducato in 2002; the Fiat Strada and all the Vans in 2003 - and this year the Doblò Cargo MY 2004, the New Scudo and new engines for the Ducato and Stilo Multi Wagon Van.

The second key strategy deployed by Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles concerns the dealer network. Fiat are currently increasing the level of professional service offered by dealerships in terms of infrastructure, human resources and aftersales service. They have cherry-picked the Fiat dealers that best meet a set of specific standards so that we can offer the best service to light commercial vehicle owners who have highly specific mobility needs.

These standards are constantly monitored and revised, year in year out, to reflect more closely the needs of customers who seek a sales and service network with skilled staff and appropriate infrastructures - in other words true business partners and solid backing for people whose vehicles are an everyday working tool.

Since 2001, the European specialised light commercial vehicle network has increased from 630 to 750 dealers with the further aim of reaching 815 by the end of 2005. More than 85% of sales will be channelled through these outlets. In Germany, the professional sales network consists of 70 dealers and our 2005 development plan will see the appointment of 15 more professional dealers.

These sales results and our many organisational projects are backed by the vitality of a Brand that has always interpreted customers' needs by renewing its vehicle range to meet their expectations. The Light Vehicle Commercial Vehicle range is one of the most comprehensive and diverse on the market: from the tiny Panda Van to the Ducato Maxi.

The very best of all the many new products planned for 2004 and exhibited at the Hanover Motor Show is the Ducato equipped with a top-performing engine: the 2.8 JTD with variable geometry turbocharger, an engine that delivers no less than 146 bhp, 19 bhp more than the current 2.8 JTD. The torque curve is worthy of note: a practically constant 310 Nm from 1500 to over 3000 rpm. This means improved acceleration, pick-up, handling and fuel consumption.

Definitely the ideal vehicle for people who have to drive long distances with a full load. An extra ace in the pack for a light commercial vehicle appreciated throughout Europe for its attributes of reliability, sturdiness, flexibility and running economy.

The second new product under the spotlights at the German show is the Doblò Cargo MY 2004 equipped with a 1.3 Multijet engine, a veritable distillate of miniaturised technology: only 130 kg in weight and minimal dimensions. This automotive engineering gem develops a maximum power output of 70 bhp and a torque of 180 Nm.

This power unit is designed for an effective lifetime of 250,000 km and boasts ultra-low running costs: fuel consumption has been reduced by 30% compared to the 1.9 aspirated diesel engine (just 5.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle) and the oil change intervals have been increased from 10,000 to 30,000 km. When you do the sums, you save some 660 Euros if you cover 30,000 km in a year. The stand also features a Doblò Cargo SX 1.3 JTD 'Multijet' with high top, rotating partition and Connect Nav+.

These two major new products are joined by the New Scudo, which has proved itself to be a practical, spirited and safe vehicle under all service conditions: the stand features a Combi ELX 8-seater equipped with a 2.0 petrol unit teamed with an automatic transmission. Space has also been set aside for the Fiat Strada. This attractive, up-to-date looking Pick Up is available in a long cabin version with three engines including the superb 80 bhp 1.9 JTD. Another part of the stand is devoted to minimum environmental impact vehicles: the Fiat Ducato and Fiat Doblò Cargo Natural Power, all with dual fuel petrol/methane power units.

Visitors can also admire other vehicles that represent only part of the innumerable conversion and customisation possibilities offered by vehicles from the Fiat Light Commercial Vehicle range. The range runs from mobile workshops to box vehicles, insulated vehicles and vehicles with refrigeration chambers. The conversion sector is growing steadily: suffice it to say that one out of three vehicles undergoes conversion in segment 2, where Fiat Auto is represented by the Ducato and Scudo.

Some special outfits of the Ducato, Scudo and Doblò Cargo are exhibited at the Hanover show to represent the great ability of these models to adapt to highly diverse application requirements. For example, visitors can admire at close quarters a long wheelbase Scudo Van 2.0 JTD with the load compartment fully lined in wood (floor and walls) and racks with open and closed storage compartments.

The exhibition also includes two Doblò Cargo MY 2004 conversions: the first is equipped with a 1.9 JTD engine and outfitted with a refrigeration chamber; the other is designed for electricians and features a minimum environmental impact Natural Power engine.

The Hanover International Motor Show is therefore the right place to discover one of the most comprehensive and diverse ranges on the market, a product range that has always interpreted the true needs of customers and renewed itself in line with their expectations. This is the secret of the success achieved in recent years by Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles.