OREANDA-NEWS  On 17 November SOLLERS-Elabuga Company, LCVs FIAT Ducato manufacturer, announced the significant line-up expansion. During September 2008 the production of three new Ducato versions has been launched – minibus, “school bus” and short-base CV with standard “low” roof.

Production launch of FIAT Ducato new versions increases its competitiveness on Russian market. The clients are offered extra possibilities for creation corporate and personal vehicle pool and their business expansion.

In particular, 14-seat minibus FIAT Ducato is one of the most capacious and economic in its segment. High roof, wide side sliding door, low and wide step, additional heater, easily accessible emergency exit and comfortable suspension provide passengers’ comfort and safety while driving. Interior was designed in Italy and guarantees high ergonomics and a lot of free space for passengers.

Short-based commercial vehicle FIAT Ducato relates to the class of city and suburb delivery vans. The vehicle cargo volume is 7.5 cum, being one of the best figures in its class. An additional competitive advantage of the vehicle is 990 kg tonnage, which allows entering city-centers with limitation of heavy-duty commercial transport without extra documentation.

The “School bus” version was developed by SOLLERS Company specially for Russian market in accordance with strict Russian safety standards for this vehicle type. The “School bus” is equipped with special child safety seats, shaped for children body structure and equipped with individual seatbelts. The speed limit for this version is 60 kmh what satisfies the government requirements.

All FIAT Ducato versions are equipped with diesel 2.3-liter (110-horsepower) engines, which meet Euro-3 standards and are equipped with current technologies that guarantee high towing performance and economy. In particular, depending on driving style and load level, the cruising range may be up to 800-850 km. Due to this, the average cost of Ducato 1 km run is USD 0.14, which is the best figure among the closest LCV analogs of Russian and foreign production.

Let us recall that FIAT Ducato production has been launched in May 2008 on the “SOLLERS-Elabuga” production facility during the visit of the Prime-minister of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Till the end of the year it is planned to sell up to 10 thousand Ducato in 9 versions. In future, line-up will be expanded to 14. The rated power of the plant is 75 thousand vehicles a year, it is planned to reach that figure by 2011. Project localization level will exceed 70%.

At present, the national FIAT Professional dealer net, the commercial line of FIAT with Ducato line-up, exceed 100 dealer centers and service stations in all major cities and regions of Russia. Till the end of the year the number will rise to 120. The guarantee on FIAT Ducato is 2 years without run limit.