Add Chrysler to the list of companies entering the recovering commercial van business. This business resembled a 1970’s market with Ford and GM dominating approximately 95% of sales.
Per DetroitNews.com, the automaker will use its partnership with Fiat SpA to bring a pair of Italian commercial vans, the Ducato and the smaller Doblo, to North America next year to compete in a segment that is rebounding as businesses start spending again.” These entries from Fiat/Chrysler will join the Nissan NV stable of vans that just went on sale in February of this year. Sales of commercial vans probably bottomed so this could be just the right time to enter this segment as the rebounding curb could be significant. With that being said it won’t be easy to pry away those fleet sales from the longtime champ E-Series from Ford Motor!
Chrysler Group LLC wants to become a player in the recovering commercial van sector.
The automaker will use its partnership with Fiat SpA to bring a pair of Italian commercial vans, the Ducato and the smaller Doblo, to North America next year to compete in a segment that is rebounding as businesses start spending again.
The plan is to introduce the two vans under the Ram brand next year as 2013 models, said Fred Diaz, Ram president.
The commercial van segment is dominated by Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., which represent more than 95 percent of sales with the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana and the Ford Econoline/Club Wagon, as well as the new Ford Transit Connect.
Daimler AG’s Mercedes Sprinter is the other competitor in the segment. Under DaimlerChrysler AG, the Sprinter was sold as a Dodge, but after the two companies split, the Sprinter was reclaimed by Mercedes, leaving a hole in the Dodge lineup.
Read the full article.
Chrysler has a hardcore group of owners who have taken their Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger models to the next level of aftermarket bliss. For those Mopar super fans, Chrysler throws a little party called the Spring Festival of LXs. The event draws owners from all over eager to show off their customized rides, and this year, Team Pentastar had a little something special for those in attendance.
