INTERVIEW


"A complete mobility solution"


As Fiat Professional launches its E-Ducato range, Eric Laforge, head of LCV Enlarged Europe at parent company Stellantis, talks to VanUser


ith Fiat Chrysler Automo- biles (FCA) and PSA (Peu- geot, Citroën and Vauxhall) coming together under the Stellantis banner, there will inevitably be in- creased sharing of vehicle platforms and van designs over the coming years. For now, however, the E-Ducato, that arrives in dealers this month, will only wear the Fiat Professional badge, as it was signed off before the two concerns joined forces. Peugeot and Citroën will continue to pursue electric Boxer and Relay models with the help of BD Auto. “For the E-Ducato we started from the idea of creating not only a green vehicle, but also a complete mobility solution,” said Eric Laforge. “E-Ducato is available mirroring the diesel versions. A model for every mission, aiming to be the benchmark in the market. To be equipped with the


W 8 VANUSER •MAY 2021


same capabilities as vehicles with com- bustion engines.” Much of the development work for the van has been carried out with the help of customers, like DHL Express. The vans have covered thousands of miles in all conditions and over vari- ous routes and weights, as the design and technology were refi ned to meet the needs of the parcel delivery giant. DHL currently operates 14,500 vehi- cles in Europe and the company has committed to 60% of that fl eet being pure EV by 2030. Alberto Nobis, CEO of DHL Ex-


press, commented: “We fi rmly believe that the future of last-mile logistics is electric. By adding E-Ducatos to our fl eet we will take the next step in reach- ing our goal of electrifying most of our last-mile by 2030.” “We’re proud that a player as impor- tant as DHL Express has chosen the E-Ducato as part of such an ambitious goal,” said Laforge. “With the E-Duca- to, our task was not only to develop a sustainable product from both an eco- nomic and environmental perspective, but most of all to provide a complete mobility solution for our partners.” Fiat Professional is not just aiming at last-mile delivery though, it has also designed the E-Ducato for freight, con- struction, artisans and municipal ser-


We’re proud


that a player as important as DHL Express


“


has chosen the E-Ducato as


part of such an ambitious goal


vice providers. “Its 400 confi gurations mean that


it can meet the needs of all profession- al operators,” said Laforge. Nor is Fiat restricting the electric


van to left-hand drive markets. “The UK is not delayed at all, it is a really important market for the E-Ducato. The UK is probably the biggest sin- gle market at the moment.” While the E-Ducato is without doubt a Fiat product, as the various models within the Stellantis offer continue to come together across all brands, expect to see an increasing EV offer from Fiat Professional. “This year we start with E-Duca-


to. When we have a new Doblo or Tal- ento, there will be an EV version,” said Laforge.


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