Fiat Professional’s bestseller, presented in 1981, reached an important milestone in 2020: for the first time in forty years it was the best-selling commercial vehicle – considering all segments – on the European market according to Dataforce source.
To thank all the professionals who have chosen it, it continues to evolve and will face in the year of its 40th birthday also the challenges of zero-emission mobility: the ideal vehicle for the last mile and to meet the most current needs of e-commerce.
Not only: Ducato is the motorhome base most chosen by travellers from all over Europe and has ensured, also last year, the absolute tranquillity of “en plein air” tourism in a protected, self-sufficient and easy-to-clean environment.

In 2021, Ducato will be forty years old: presented in 1981, the flagship model and ambassador of excellence of the Fiat Professional brand has always been one of the most popular commercial vehicles in Europe thanks to its versatility and low operating costs, and has already received a special gift from all its customers: such trust as to make it for the first time in forty years the most sold commercial vehicle – considering all segments – in 2020 on the European market. The numbers of customer appreciation in Europe are respectable: about 150,000 units and a market share of 20.5 percent, with an increase of 7.6 percent in terms of volumes and 3 percentage points in terms of share, in a market scenario that has been declining. In Italy, Ducato confirmed its leadership in its segment. (Dataforce elaboration on Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport source dated 04/01/2021).

A forty-year Italian story

Almost forty years ago, Ducato revolutionized the large-volume van segment thanks to its front-wheel drive, volume and versatility. Its production began in 1981 at the Sevel (Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri) lines in Val di Sangro, and continues there today. Located in Atessa (CH), it is the largest factory in the world for medium-large vans, and in 2020 it was the first Italian production hub to reopen, in total safety for its more than 6000 employees, after the lockdown.

Over time, Ducato has gradually refined its features, becoming a reference point in the category, a trendsetter produced in over 10,000 variants and sold in more than eighty countries worldwide. In addition, the numerous bodywork versions and the efficiency of the chassis have made it the number one choice for fitters of special purpose vehicles and motorhomes.

Ducato and the motorhome: a winning combination

Leader in its segment since 2014 and best-selling commercial vehicle in 2020, Ducato is the undisputed leader of the “large van” segment in 13 European markets and is the only one that was created specifically to become a base for motorhomes. In Europe, over the last ten years, 500,000 families have chosen to travel aboard a Fiat Professional Ducato-based motorhome thanks to the numerous bodywork variants, the square and regular shape of the load compartment, the efficiency of the engines and the automotive drive. The Ducato motorhome base has been designed and developed together with the most important European recreational vehicle manufacturers, to offer the best integrated solutions between base and living quarters. A vacation on board a Ducato-based motorhome is the best choice for combining adventure and freedom with the safety and “peace of mind” of home, and has ensured, once again, the absolute tranquillity of open-air tourism in a protected, self-sufficient and easy-to-clean and sanitize environment.

New technologies and consolidated quality, towards the goal of “zero emissions” with E-Ducato

Since its debut, Fiat Ducato has conquered the public thanks to its solidity and great reliability. However, right from the first series, professionals who have chosen Ducato have appreciated not only its practicality, but also its versatility and ease of use. The progenitor of a new concept of commercial vehicle boasts an undisputed leadership in its segment certified by more than 3 million units sold. All these qualities, rewarded by a large clientele of professionals throughout Europe, will therefore evolve into a zero-emission path with the Ducato in full electric version. Designed in accordance with Fiat Professional’s most advanced quality standards, E-Ducato will be available in all body variants with the same load volume as the traditional Ducato, from 10m3 to 17m3, and the best load capacity on the market, up to 1,950 kg, and will offer different battery options for a range of 230 to 360 km in the typical urban delivery cycle, ready for the last mile challenge.

Not just a European success

Ducato’s success is now well established in Europe, as evidenced by its fresh record, but Fiat Professional’s global ambassador has also long since become a sales champion in Russia, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia. It is currently sold as an effective “world van” in more than 80 countries, including in North America as the RAM brand’s ProMaster.

Source: Media Stellantis