From 14 to 22 October, Amsterdam will host The European Road Transport Show 2005, the 28th edition of the motor show devoted to road haulage. The event - one of the most important in Europe - will attract sector professionals and major commercial and light commercial vehicle manufacturers to the Dutch city for one week. Prominent among the exhibitors will be Fiat Auto, which perennially offers one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market. Our extraordinary range will be ably represented by the models displayed at the Amsterdam motor show (from the Scudo to the Strada Pick Up and the Ducato). Above all, the New Doblò Cargo appears at its world premiere to offer a first taste of the new revised range.

Five examples of the new model, indisputable star of the stand, are displayed at this international event: three equipped with the powerful 1.9 Multijet, the fourth fitted with the lively 1.3 Multijet engine and the last in a Natural Power version. Heir to a winning model (more than 300,000 units have been sold since 2001), the New Doblò Cargo now offers revised styling, new Multijet diesel engines and brand new Maxi versions with a long wheelbase. The new Fiat light commercial vehicle is top of its class for ease of access to the load compartment, productivity and payload - and also comfort, ergonomics, low fuel consumption and running costs. The vehicle also features exterior styling that conveys a sensation of protective solidity and interior styling that makes the environment look roomy and welcoming.

The model's aesthetic features are complemented by the substance of its content, beginning with the four available engines, all to Euro 4 standards: the spirited 105 bhp 1.9 Multijet, the revolutionary 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, the new 77 bhp 1.4 Fire 8v and the 1.6 Natural Power (petrol and methane). These are the ideal answer for customers who value reliability, good fuel economy and low running costs combined with a flexible drive and great torque available at low speeds for an immediate, satisfying drive even through town traffic. After the launch, the model will also be available with two new Multijet engines with variable geometry turbocharger: the 85 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet and the 120 bhp 1.9 8v Multijet, both equipped with a particulate trap (DPV), the lifetime system that removes fine powder and does not require the use of additives for regeneration.

Last, but not least, visitors will be able to admire the debut of the long wheelbase van versions named MAXI, that take the model to the top of its category for load compartment length (2060 mm), volume (4.0 m3) and payload (850 kg with the driver): these are the ideal solution for carrying long, bulky items. We also have important news about the load-carrying capacity of the New Doblò Cargo Short Wheelbase: the payload (including the driver) has been increased from 625 to 730 kg on standard versions and from 805 to 850 kg on higher payload versions. This product feature is important for those who work with their vehicles and has been achieved on standard versions through the adoption of 15" wheels combined with an optimum suspension and braking system. On higher payload versions, 14" wheels have been fitted with a higher load index.
 

The diverse nature of this extensive range is borne out by the different body solutions, 4 specifications, 4 engines, 12 exterior colours and a wide choice of options and accessories.

In addition to the New Doblò Cargo, the Dutch show also features other major models. These include the Fiat Ducato, the brand best seller that has recently been equipped with a top-performing power unit: the 2.8 JTD POWER with variable geometry turbo, an engine that delivers no less than 146 bhp. The torque curve is worthy of mention: a practically constant level of 310 Nm from 1500 to more than 3000 rpm. All to the benefit of pick-up, handling and fuel consumption. This is therefore the ideal vehicle for drivers who tackle long distances when fully laden. Yet another winning card for a commercial vehicle appreciated throughout Europe for its attributes of reliability, sturdiness, flexibility and fuel economy. The extensive Fiat Ducato range is represented on the Fiat stand by: a 2.8 JTD Power Maxi Chassis cab version; a 2.8 JTD Long wheelbase MAXI twin cab version; a 2.8 EGR Gran Volume 15 van with automatic transmission; and lastly, a 2.3 JTD 15 van and a 2.3 JTD 11 van. The line-up is concluded by a Ducato Gran Volume Natural Power Combi 15 Ducato, a minimum environmental impact version with a natural/methane dual fuel system.

The catwalk at the European Road Transport Show 2005 will also host a Strada Malibu, an up-to-date, appealing pick-up with a lively 80 bhp 1.9 JTD engine and a Scudo, a vehicle that is practical, spirited and safe under all service conditions. This latter model is displayed in three versions: the first is equipped with a 69 bhp 1.9 diesel engine while the other two are equipped with the powerful 109 bhp 2.0 JTD 16v (these include a Combi and a Long Wheelbase Van with an EL specification).

The Amsterdam motor show is also a great opportunity to discover one of the most comprehensive and diverse ranges on the market, a product range that has always interpreted its customers' true needs and lived up to their expectations in every way. This has been one of the great secrets of the recent success of Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles. In 2004, for example, the brand was confirmed as one of the biggest-selling makes in Europe with sales amounting to more than 219,000 units (total world sales were 308,000) and the market share 10.7%. In detail, it consolidated its leadership in Italy with a market share greater than 40%. An outstanding result was also achieved in Poland with a share of 25.7%. Not to mention the fact that in France and Germany, the Fiat Auto LCV continues to be the primary importer of commercial vehicles. The performances in non-European countries were also good. In Turkey, for example, 37,000 units were sold (15% share) while sales amounted to more than 44,000 units in Brazil (24.3% share). Compared to 2003, Fiat Light Commercial Vehicle sales rose by 11% throughout the world (+ 32,000 units) in 2004. And more: during the first half of 2005 in Europe, sales rose by 12% compared to the previous year. To consolidate its leadership in Italy and continue its European growth along an even steadier curve (aiming for 12% in 2007), Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles now pursues two guiding principles: investments in new products and a larger dealer network.

First and foremost, the investments. Recent years have seen major product renewal exercises: the new Ducato in 2002; the Fiat Strada and all the Vans in 2003; the Doblò Cargo MY 2004 last year, the New Scudo and new engines for the Ducato and Stilo Multi Wagon Van; the New Doblò Cargo in 2005. This latter model is the forerunner to a review of the entire range, an exercise that will make this one of the most comprehensive and diverse product ranges in the 80 or more markets in which it is present. An investment of more than 2 billion Euros will make the range more competitive by the end of 2006.

The second strength of Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles is its sales network. We are currently raising the professional level of dealers in terms of structures, human resources and aftersales services. The current Fiat network has been screened to find the dealers that best respond to a set of standard requirements. They have been selected with a view to providing a more appropriate service for customers owning a commercial vehicle, ie. with specific mobility requirements.
These standards are constantly checked and revised, year by year, with the aim of providing a more attentive follow-up for the needs of customers who seek in their sales and service network skilled staff and appropriate structures. Our effective aim is to become true business partners and act as dependable support for customers whose vehicles are an everyday working tool. Since 2001, in Europe, the specialised light commercial vehicle network has increased from 600 to 800 dealers with the ultimate target of 870 sales outlets and 6,500 service outlets by the end of 2006.