Iveco Plans Three Van Models For U.S.

Fiat Industrial SpA's Iveco truckmaking unit confirms plans to launch its flagship Daily commercial van in the American market soon after Fiat SpA debuts its Doblo and Ducato vans there next year.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and chairman of Fiat Industrial, says the American debuts of the three models is possible only because of Fiat SpA's ownership of Chrysler Group LLC. He says about 2,400 U.S. Chrysler dealers with Ram truck franchises have expressed interest in selling Fiat and Iveco vans.

Fiat Industrial is a group of businesses, including Iveco and the CNH farm equipment maker, that was spun off from Fiat in January 2011.

The front-wheel-drive Doblo and Ducato are based on a car platform. The rear-wheel-drive Daily, which rides on a truck platform, will replace the discontinued Daimler AG-built Dodge Sprinter van.

The Daily is offered in Europe in cargo and passenger van configurations and chassis cab versions. The European models are powered by 2.3- or 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines.