Fiat works up a Doblo

In this part of the world, pickups are normally based on 4WD platforms and not, as in many other countries like Australia, on cars and vans.

Well, Fiat has just introduced to some European markets a brand new pickup based on its popular Doblo van—called the Eork Up.

The dropside load box is 2.30 m long and 1.82 m wide, with 4 m2 of loading area which can accommodate a payload of up to 1,000kg. Additionally, the multi-link suspension permits a rear axle load up to 1,450kg.

The load box is made of high-resistance steel with a floor created from anti-slip multilayer wood and sides in aluminium alloy. Under the floor is a compartment for stowing long tools.

In addition, on each side of the vehicle there is a small, practical step that allows the user to get into the load area. This structure has a ladder rack/door poles, load restraining hooks, and a sturdy protective grille on the rear window of the cab.

No news yet about an Irish version, but it should be of significant interest to local authorities.

Top tradesperson wins Fiat Doblo

A Dublin-based plumber has just been named the Irish Daily Star Tradesperson of the Year in a competition sponsored by main Fiat Professional dealer, BOD Vehicle Support Services, writes Trish Whelan.

Anthony Dowling, who runs Excel Plumbing and Heating (FEAI & Bord Gais approved), topped a poll of Irish Daily Star readers to beat out four other finalists and was presented with his brand new Fiat Doblo Cargo at a special ceremony held in BOD Vehicle Support Services' bespoke commercial vehicle showroom located in the Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin.

Barry Dunne from BOD VSS made the official presentation and was joined by Maeve O'Connell from the Irish Daily Star; Pat Doyle, Head of the National Guild of Master Craftsman and Philip Cullen from Fiat Group Automobiles Ireland.

Florists grow with new Fiat Ducato fleet

Universal Floral, one of the country's most respected interior and exterior landscaping companies, has taken delivery of 11 new Fiat vans from Terry Lilly Commercials in Finglas, Dublin.

The vans will allow the company respond quickly to customer needs and will be used to transport employees and their delicate cargo.

Noel Caffey, Managing Director at Universal Floral says "With so many high-profile corporate clients, it is hugely important that our installation experts and their vehicles make the best possible impression."

He said it is also important that their vans are as green as possible.

Noel Caffrey is pictured above (left) with Terry Lilly of Terry Lilly Commercials.

First View: New Fiat Ducato

This latest generation of the Fiat Ducato van is all about power trains, interior and connectivity, writes Brian Byrne. Nothing has changed about the outside. The Fiat Professional guy at the Balocco Proving Ground shrugged and said the generation released in 2006 'still has a freshness'.

He's probably right. Celebrating 30 years of the nameplate, this latest generation is still a smart and modern looker. But the 2011 model has a whole new set of power choices.

Unfortunately, we're not going to get the newest in Ireland. Nor will the UK get the 2.0 115hp unit that breaks new ground in efficiency and specific output for the entry level powertrain. The cost of redesigning it for RHD use wouldn't justify the numbers. Which is fair enough. Instead, we'll get a detuned variant of the 2.3 intermediate engines, with a 110hp output. And there won't be anything wrong with that.

Doblo goes dropside

A new Dropside variant of Fiat's popular Doblo van is to go on sale in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne.

Although a date and prices aren't yet available, the vehicle has been signed off for production, following the showing of a prototype at last autumn's Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show, pictured above.

The Doblo Dropside will be marketed across Europe as establishing a 'new segment of Urban Truck'.

In Balocco, Italy, today, the company said it would be ideal for construction and renovation work in cities. It is also likely to appeal to individual contractors such as landscape gardeners.

Local authorities would also be attracted to it as a light-duty vehicle with low running costs.