Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, importer of the Fiat Professional light commercial vehicles (LCVs), will introduce a one-ton pick-up onto the local market in the first half of next year.
Deritatives Along with the launch of the new pick-up, the Fiat Professional will also offer facelift derivatives of the existing Ducato and Doblo model ranges.
The company adds that it has employed Johan Cloete in the role of Fiat development project manager to oversee the campaign to extend the brand’s reach into the local market.
Cloete previously worked in retail, as well as at manufacturer level, for Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Fuso, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and, most recently, MAN Trucks.
“We are serious about the future viability of the Fiat Professional brand in South Africa and believe its presence can be strengthened through the LCV development programme I have been tasked to head up,” notes Cloete.
Fiat’s Fullback pick-up will be offered in single-cab and double-cab variants and powered by petrol or diesel engines.
The bakkie follows in the tracks of the half-ton Fiat Strada that was sold locally until 2012.