The Fiat Ducato is a light commercial vehicle jointly developed by FCA Italy and PSA Group (now Stellantis), and mainly manufactured by Sevel, a joint venture between the two companies since 1981. It has also been sold as the Citroën C25, Peugeot J5, Alfa Romeo AR6, Talbot Express, and later as the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper (Relay first in the United Kingdom and then in Australia; Dispatch in Australia as a shorter variant), and Peugeot Boxer (Manager in Mexico), from 1994 onwards. It entered the North American market as the Ram ProMaster in May 2014 as a 2014 model.[1]
In Europe, it is produced at the Sevel Sud factory, in Atessa, Italy. It has also been produced at the Iveco factory in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, at the Karsan factory in Akçalar, Turkey, at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Saltillo Van Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico, and at the Fiat-Sollers factory in Elabuga, Russia. Since 1981, more than 3.5 million Fiat Ducatos have been produced.[2][3] The name "Ducato" is a reference to the ducat; after the Fiorino and Marengo, this was the third Fiat light commercial vehicle to be named after ancient coinage.
In July 2019, the electric version of the Ducato developed by FCA Italy was presented, and sales commenced in 2020; a refreshed model debuted for 2024.[4] An electric version for the North American market, the Ram ProMaster EV, was unveiled in early 2024.[5]
In addition to the RAM ProMaster launched in 2014, starting with the 2022 model year, the Ducato has also been rebadged as the Opel/Vauxhall Movano, replacing the previous one, which from 1998 until 2021 had been based on the Renault Master. As well as the Toyota Proace Max from 2023 onwards.[6]
4WD versions are available to order, which are converted by the French company Dangel using a central viscous coupling.
The Ducato is the most common motorhome base used in Europe; with around two-thirds of motorhomes using the Ducato base.[7]
First generation (1981)
The Ducato was first launched in 1981, and was the result of Fiat's collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën, that resulted in the vehicle's development starting in 1978. The vehicles were manufactured at the Sevel Val di Sangro plant in Atessa, in central Italy, and at the Sevel Campania plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples,[8] together with the similar Alfa Romeo AR6, Citroën C25, and Peugeot J5 versions. The Peugeot J5 was sold as the Talbot Express in the United Kingdom (1986–1994). The collaboration of Fiat and PSA had earlier produced the Fiat 242 and Citroën C35 from 1974.
For the Fiat, engines were 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol or 1.9 litre diesel. Trim levels were base, S, and SX. Model variants were named according to carrying capacity: Ducato 10 (1.0 tons), Ducato 13 (1.3 tons), Ducato 14 (1.4 tons), and Ducato Maxi 18 (1.8 tons). The Ducato Mk1 was very popular as a basis for campervan conversions.
Second generation (1993)
The second-generation Ducato arrived in 1993 and was still produced by Sevel. Peugeot changed the name from J5 to Boxer while Citroën rebranded the C25 as Jumper (sold as the "Relay" in the United Kingdom and Ireland). One engine option was a Fiat 2.5 L diesel, which was replaced with 2.8 L Iveco/Sofim engine in 1998.
The Ducato Goods Transport has a payload of 12 m3 and comes with a choice of four engines: the 2.0 petrol, 2.0 JTD, 2.3 JTD 16V, or 2.8 JTD. All of these conformed to the Euro 3 standards and offered programmed maintenance management. The range included two types of gearbox: a mechanical box with a five-speed manual plus reverse and an automatic transmission with four speeds plus reverse.
The Ducato Passenger Transport has a carrying capacity of six to nine people and comes with the 2.3 litre JTD 16v engine, which again is Euro 3 compliant and delivers 110 bhp.
The Ducato Combi is a mixture of the Goods Transport and the Passenger Transport. It is ideal for the transport of people and goods alike, and it can accommodate up to nine occupants. Model designations were Ducato 10 (1 ton), Ducato 14 (1.4 tons), and Ducato Maxi 18 (1.8 tons).
2002 facelift
The second series was restyled in February 2002, with the addition of rear and side bump mouldings and revised front grille. The engine range was: 2.0 JTD, 2.3 JTD 16v and 2.8 JTD, 2.5 diesel was dropped.
Third generation (2006)
The third-generation Jumper/Relay was launched first in worldwide except in Australia in September 2006 as a 2007 model (including the UK) and then in Australia in late 2012 as a 2013 model, followed by the Boxer in June and the Ducato later as a 2008 model. The vehicle was available in many variants both for people and goods transport. Weights were again increased, with the following designations for all-up weight: Ducato 30 (3 tonnes), Ducato 33 (3.3 tonnes), Ducato Maxi 35 (3.5 tonnes) and Ducato Maxi 40 (4 tonnes). In van configuration, the vehicle is available in three wheelbases: 3000 mm, 3450 mm, and 4050 mm, and in three heights: 2250 mm, 2500 mm, and 2750 mm. Also in van configuration, the three wheelbases are offered in four overall vehicle lengths of 4950 mm, 5400 mm, 6000 mm, and 6350 mm. The two longest body lengths are available only with the 4050 mm wheelbase.
Mexico
This third-generation Ducato has been available in Mexico since November 2007, and over 30 different models are available. It is marketed as the Fiat Ducato, and as the Peugeot Manager. These models are similar to the European configurations with smaller engines, available diesel, and manual transmissions,[26] although the Canada and U.S. version, with larger gasoline engines and automatic transmissions, is made in Mexico.
Ram ProMaster
Since October 2013, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
External links
References
- Jason Udy. 2014 Ram ProMaster Expert Review Motortrend^
- FIAT Professional unveils the new lineup: a new generation at work 23 October 2023^
- The New Fiat Ducato: more technology, more efficiency, more value fiatprofessionalpress.com, retrieved 22 April 2014