Dodge to sell Fiat Doblo van in 2013

[haven]

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

Chrysler announced plans to import the Fiat Doblo van to USA in early 2013. The Doblo is a small front wheel drive truck, similar in size to the Ford Transit Connect. No word on diesel engine. I don't think 4x4 is an option. The Doblo made in Brazil has an "adventure" package that increases ground clearance and adds a limited slip differential to the front wheel drive.

Both the Doblo and Transit Connect are large enough inside for a platform style bed with pull out drawers underneath.

 

[haven]

Here's what the 2011 Fiat Doblo passenger van looks like. There's a cargo version with no windows and no back seat.

Comparing…..Fiat Doblo vs…..Dodge Caravan cargo van
Wheelbase…..101.7 inches….121 inches
Length…..167.5 inches…..203 inches
Width …..67.8 inches….. 77 inches
Height …72.1 inches…..69 inches
Gross weight …..4,233 lb…..6,050 lb
Max load …..1,609 lb…..1,500 lb

data from http://www.allpar.com/cars/adopted/fiat/vans.html

Chrysler would have to pay a 25% tariff to import a work truck, but only 2.5% to import a passenger van. So I expect the Doblo will be shipped from the factory in Turkey with a back seat and side windows. These will be removed in USA to create the work van. Silly, but them's the rules.

Here's a pickup version of the Doblo, just introduced in Europe. I bet a Four Wheel Campers popup would work well on this chassis. Result: the smallest, lightest self-contained camper this side of a 20 year old VW Westfalia van.

 

[haven]

Here's a company in England that manufactures a pop-up roof for the Doblo
http://www.fiatdoblocampers.co.uk/

Here's another that makes both a pop-up and a high-top roof.
http://www.danburymotorcaravans.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=27