Fiat Doblo

AutoBlog is reporting that Fiat is bringing the Doblo to the US in 2013. I think it looks awesome. I actually like it better than the Transit Connect, in fact I think it's larger than one.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/fiat-doblo-headed-to-u-s-as-rebadged-ram-in-2013/#aol-comments

Only problem I see is that they are going to rebrand it as a RAM brand vehicle, I'd like to see it stay a Fiat.

They also have one called the Work Up. It's like a little pickup. Imagine they won't bring this to our shores, but it's kinda cool.

I would totally rock that sedan delivery. A customer of mine has the truck version of that now, it's cool as hell.

SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote: Only problem I see is that they are going to rebrand it as a RAM brand vehicle, I'd like to see it stay a Fiat.

The same thing will happen to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta when it comes to the US as a Dodge.

Aside from only a badge swap, I can't think of any way to convert it to a Dodge and keep it good-looking, esp. if Fiatsler feels the need to butch it up with a ginormous crosshair grille.

RexSeven wrote: Aside from only a badge swap, I can't think of any way to convert it to a Dodge and keep it good-looking, esp. if Fiatsler feels the need to butch it up with a ginormous crosshair grille.

That would be tragic.

I like the looks of the MiTo, myself. Clarkson dug it (and then wrecked it), so I guess that's a good thing, too.

From CARS

ugh.. just kill chrysler off now and brand everything fiat

What I don't understand is why Fiat wants to bring stuff over here and rebadge them as Chrysler products. They've already brought back the Fiat nameplate to the US with the 500, so why not with bring the other cars in as Fiat?

Would it possibly have a diesel?

I saw the Doblo trucking up I-75. It's alright, but I'd rather have the Ford Transit myself - I think the Fiat is quite a bit uglier, and having two sliding doors is a big plus for the Ford.

SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote:

Looks like "Kia Soul meets Transit Connect"

In Europe, the Doblo is sold (in some countries) as a passenger van...just as the Transit Connect is here.

In CAR'S GBU section, the Doblo is "branded" with a BAD, while Fiat's other 2 vans (the Multipla and Qubo) are called GOOD. This from CAR's critique: "....A must for those who wear socks with sandals."

The only thing the Doblo has going for it is a lowish price.

Apparently, Fiat's marketting "strategy" is to bring smaller sedans and SUVs to the U.S. (and elsewhere?) and brand them as Dodges. I would imagine the Fiat 500 will be treated much as BMW treats the Mini. And in Europe, small Lancias will be rebadged as Chryslers. Europe already gets a Chrysler-badged Lancia whose's name I can't spell....sorry.

Too lazy to research the dimensions, but the pictures posted look like the short wheelbase (SWB) low roof (LR)version of the Transit Connect that Ford sells in Europe. It also has just one sliding door and IIRC is about a foot shorter and 6" lower than the LWB HR version we get here.

If the Dodge rebadge doesn't totally berkeley up that Doblo, it will be going on my very short list of new vehicles to buy for delivery purposes. Leave it alone and it's at the top already.

I would hate to think of Alfas with chrysler grills

In reply to Hal:

They do have dual sliding doors and a high roof available. As for a long wheel base, I would imagine they do.

Here's one in Michigan with the dual sliding doors.

I bet you it looks better than the soul and the cube.. Doblo or nothing

SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote: In reply to Hal: They do have dual sliding doors and a high roof available. As for a long wheel base, I would imagine they do. Here's one in Michigan with the dual sliding doors.

I'll have to do some research. That picture looks longer and a little lower than my TC.

SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote:

I know the doc will hate it.. but am I wrong for liking this? If it comes to the states.. I am getting one

In reply to mad_machine:

I think the little pick up is cool. The US hasn't had a little work truck like this before (or at least a long time). I can see many uses for this by many businesses. I think it would be smart to bring it over.

Hal wrote:

SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote: In reply to Hal: They do have dual sliding doors and a high roof available. As for a long wheel base, I would imagine they do. Here's one in Michigan with the dual sliding doors.

I'll have to do some research. That picture looks longer and a little lower than my TC.

I just compared it to my original picture and that one is a longer wheelbase. The track for the sliding door is farther away from the taillight than the one in the original pic.

I love that pickup. We need a legitimate small, modern pickup in North America.

Here is a SWB High Roof

Cargo

Estate

Even some companies have made camper conversions.

The name FIAT reminds many older folks of the "Fix It Again Tony", days. And many young people never heard of Fiat. Maybe Fiat thinks the Dodge name, being American will sell better. I am really looking forward to the future of this hookup. Regardles of what it is called.

Thought I would update this thread for anyone who might be interested.

Yes, it's all but confirmed, Chrysler will sell a version of the Doblo in the U.S. Not sure, but it may be as a Dodge or as a Fiat. There are also plans to build a bigger Fiat commercial van, the Ducato, in Mexico to be sold in North and South America. The Ducato is about the size of a Sprinter, while the Doblo is about the size of a Ford Transit Connect. And finally, Chrysler, will bring back the Cargo Caravan. At one point, the Caravan, the Ford Windstar, and the Chevy Lumina van were all available as cargo vans. That is, some portion of the passenger seating was removed, and in some cases the rear side windows were replaced with steel panels (as in the HHR Panel Express). Chrysler is bringing back the Cargo Caravan (Caravan cargo?) with a stripped out interior, and steel panels instead of rear side windows. I wouldn't be surprised if the spaces used to stow the passenger seats in the passenger versions is used for under-floor storage in the Cargo version as the floor will be flat from tailgate to driver's seat.

I just hope that Fiat and Alfa will bring good reliable cars into the states this time. Their reputation has never been that great in the past, thus they didn't sell very well. Funny, because they apparently sell VERY well in Europe. It seems that the domestic industry is beginning to bring better cars to the market, perhaps the Italians will too.