DHL gets Ducatos Natural Power

Fiat Group Automobiles and DHL Express Italy signed a framework agreement for the supply of 820 Fiat Ducato vans. According to DHL’s global policy, all of these will be vehicles less harmful to the environment. This contract will fulfill the demand for DHL cars in Italy for the whole 2014.

© Fiat ProfessionalFiat Ducato in DHL livery

DHL Express Italy – a part of Deutsche Post DHL Group – chose Fiat Ducato which is the best-selling model in the Fiat Professional (Fiat vans) range. Since 1981, Ducato has been bought by 2.6 million customers.

Fiat will deliver prebuilt vans and chassis with vans bodywork with a maximum laden weight of 3.5 tons. Prebuilt vans with a medium wheelbase and a medium roof offer cargo space of 11.5 m³. Cargo space is equipped with double, folding shelves. Chassis with a cab and aluminum van cargo space with the longest wheelbase have the capacity of 19 m³.

The vehicles will be delivered in two types, with 130 hp or 150 hp (Multijet) diesel engines, or in Natural Power version, powered by natural gas.

Ducato Natural Power has a 3-liter, 135 hp engine powered by natural gas with an average range on natural gas (8.8 kg/100 km consumption) estimated at around 400 kilometers. Fiat has offered gas-powered vehicles for over 15 years. Today, the company is the European leader in the production of vehicles powered by natural gas. Since 1997, the company delivered more than 560 thousand of such vehicles.

© gazeo.comFiat Ducato Natural Power

This deal – a very important one for Fiat – confirms that Ducato is one of the most versatile vans on the market. It’s currently the most popular model among big fleet operators representing various industries. Ducato achieved its leading position thanks to its flexibility and high efficiency, which is confirmed by low maintenance and operation costs, low exhaust gas emission, as well as the quality of service offered in more than 1,700 Fiat Professional service stations in Italy. The stations are operated by Mopar – the parts, service and customers care organization within Fiat and Chrysler groups.

The signed deal also provides for a service package implemented by Mopar (Total Care Mopar Vehicle Protection). It includes warranty service, periodic maintenance and replacement of consumables in the first 5 years or until a car reaches 150 thousand kilometers.

Fiat also offers funding under a lease with preferred interest rates, specially developed for this contract with FGA Capital – a joint venture finance company of Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole Consumer France.

The agreement is a continuation of the fleet restructuring plan for DHL Express Italy started in 2010. The company wants to become the first “green” company in the express transport sector, and aims at operating vehicles that will comply with Euro 5 requirements.