Would the U.S. be ready for a FWD step-van?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Now that Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is not being offered as a Dodge anymore and won't be offered in the newer Ram brand, possibly Fiat would want to offer the FWD Ducato in the american market, since its handling is more idiot-proof than the RWD Iveco Daily, then avoiding accidents that could result in a lawsuit.

Sure, the Daily could be easier to "federalize" and also fit a V8 into, but its handling is often reported as poor...



But, to avoid the Chicken Tax, possibly its bare chassis version has more chance to be offered in the U.S. instead of the regular panel van.

Also, current 3rd-gen european Ducato wouldn't appeal too much to the american customer.

Brazilian Ducato is still 2nd-gen, maybe appealing more to the conservative looking usual in american vans. It even looks like a Chevy Astro...

Maybe for a commercial customer the (stereo)typical step-van body would appeal better.

 

[OPGMC]

Most vans around here are E series Ferds or Chevy, GMC.

 

[Zembonez]

If they were sold by a dealer network that has good nationwide coverage, they might sell for commercial use.

 

[tleach17]

I think I speak for the country

 

[buRRp]

I think I speak for the country

 

[nubuilder]

I always thought they were already hard enough to work on as they are.

I doubt they'd sell very well. Maintenance costs might be higher on the FWD versus the RWD.

 

[Zembonez]

No reason to believe that these would be any more expensive to maintain than any other vehicle. Whether we like it or not, the coming decade IS going to present us with smaller, more fuel efficient ways of conducting business and buying trucks. It is coming...

Many companies would gladly use a sturdy, fuel efficient FWD van if one was offered. This is especially true if fuel costs continue to rise as predicted. This would be perfect for plumbing / electrical / delivery type work. The days of the giant E250 V8 workvan are numbered!

People in Europe don't drive around in tiny diesel engined micro cars because it's what they like. They do it because gas is 8 bucks a damn gallon.

Just like it was in 2008-9 when gas spiked here... people will be ditching their big V8 engined trucks and SUVs in favor of something more fuel efficient.

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Maintenance costs might be higher on the FWD versus the RWD.

Industry is turning to FWD because of production costs, and mantainance is not more expensive. BTW since its platform height is lower it could be good to use as ambulance. Currently a lot of FWD Fiat Ducato and Renault Master vans are widely used as ambulance worldwide...

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Many companies would gladly use a sturdy, fuel efficient FWD van if one was offered. This is especially true if fuel costs continue to rise as predicted. This would be perfect for plumbing / electrical / delivery type work. The days of the giant E250 V8 workvan are numbered!

Considering that some versions of the 3rd-gen Ducato are fitted either with electronic traction controls or limited-slip differentials it wouldn't have too much disadvantages for uphill driving in comparison to a RWD van.

 

[BHB]

They'd better step up the quality big time based on thier previous US offerings.