OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2010. The SOLLERS vehicle holding now offers modified four-wheel drive versions of FIAT Ducato light commercial vehicles. For the first time in the recent history of the Russian car industry, a domestically made LCV with a state-of-the-art four-wheel drive system is entering the market. The four-wheel drive system was designed by SOLLERS jointly with experts from the world-famous French company Dangel. Production of the new FIAT Ducato 4x4 model will begin in the second quarter of 2010. Another new arrival will come on the market in the fourth quarter of this year: a Fiat Ducato chassis with a single and double cab.

It is planned that sales of the FIAT Ducato will increase in 2010 to 15,000, compared to 8,294 for the year before, thanks to the new versions of the FIAT Ducato, the announced price reductions for a range of spare parts by an average of 7%, and additional expansion of the dealer network.

Overall, judging by 2009 sales results the three modifications to the FIAT Ducato family became the undisputed leaders in their segments. In the all-metal van segment, the Ducato occupied 24%, ahead of both Russian and foreign competitors. Ducato minibuses won 18% of their segment, and passenger cargo combo models held strong with 11%, becoming the most-bought vehicle in 2009 among all foreign manufacturers. For 2009, the Fiat Ducato also became the leader on the Russian market for the number of mass-produced modifications offered, with 22 in all, including vehicles for social services (ambulances, school buses, mobile public service centers, and minibuses).

The FIAT Ducato's leading position in 2010 will to a significant degree be anchored by the appearance of new modifications which enjoy extreme market demand. Above all, this would be four-wheel drive, which can be installed on any version of the Ducato. The four-wheel drive system for the FIAT Ducato 4x4 was created at SOLLERS' request by the world-famous French workshop Dangel, guaranteeing thoughtful design and high construction reliability. In the second quarter of 2010, SOLLERS is planning to begin the mass installation of 4x4 systems on any version of the Ducato, regardless of the length of the wheelbase. Two versions will be available: a base model with part-time four-wheel drive, and a more advanced one with downshifting and rear differential blocking. The four-wheel drive system and differential blocking are electronically controlled using buttons on the front driver’s panel. Downshifting is accomplished using the gearshift in the main cab. The main advantages of the FIAT Ducato 4x4 are the significant increase in road clearance (depending on the body type, from 18 to 21 cm underneath the front axle and 26 to 27.7 cm underneath the rear one), confident handling in light off-road conditions, as well as additional reliability when controlling the vehicle in the harshest weather. The prices and final specifications of the vehicle will be announced when sales begin.

It is planned that production and sales of another new modification, the FIAT Ducato chassis in Russia, will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. Dealers will receive vehicles which have either one of two modifications, with a one-person or two-person cab. The main advantages of the chassis are the price, the most affordable one among all of the FIAT Ducato family, as well as the opportunity to install any type of custom shell.

Also anticipated in 2010 is the transition to the final stage of implementation for the joint project between SOLLERS and FIAT Professional to adapt gasoline and bi-fuel engines from OAO ZMZ, part of SOLLERS, to the FIAT Ducato. The ready vehicle, equipped with a Russian engine, should be ready to be presented in 2011.

No less important was the news that SOLLERS has announced price reductions for a range of spare parts at the FIAT Professional dealer network. Regular technical maintenance of the FIAT Ducato, in part, should become cheaper by 7% on average. Thus the cost of vehicle ownership will fall yet more, which now is 29% lower than that of its closest foreign competitor and 6% lower than that of its Russian-made gas-fueled equivalent. Monetarily, the cost of each kilometer driven on a Ducato has fallen to 4.05 rubles, compared to 5.26 and 4.31 rubles respectively.

Last but not least, also announced were plans for the further expansion of the independent FIAT Professional dealer network, which as of the end of 2009 included 108 specialized centers in 56 Russian cities. By the end of 2010, the total number of dealers will reach 130 in all regions of the country.