when I bought my first CV Dodge van the purpose was for bulk newspapers...I had no concern whatever about weight....I must have had 5,000 to 6,000 lbs at least with Saturdays paper and all the inserts...it was all local work...
Evidently it's already broke down and had to be trailered
The Transit is the same way except not re-badged....why they are having so many problems setting up a line....when all they have to do is clone their European line...
evidently it is being brought to Detroit headquarters for more testing.....gee whiz
I believe the article linked in the op indicates they're not just rebadging or cloning the Fiat van but have re-engineered it to a great degree to abide by American standards, frame wise, electronics, safety wise, GVW limits, etc.
Has the PowerMaster had release delays as much as the Transit has? I have no idea, really.
I do like it more than the Transit, though, and if ever in the market for a longer, taller, van would go for the PowerMaster first. Though by the time I'm likely able to afford one, the GMC Super Savana will have been out for a year or two
Re: sliders or swing doors - my experience with sliding side doors was with older Econolines, on which, as OVM says, were always having some sort of problem or another that increased with age and constant use. Had one whose rear upper roller would occasionally jump track and most always had to have a helping push (usually a hard slam with a shoulder) on the rear of the door to close right, as well as needed a lot more attention in lubing the track. Was a pain in the butt in comparison to swing doors.
Good to hear the sliders on your GM, Moot, and on your Sprinter, Ken, aren't anywhere near as much problem.
Fiat's sold millions, and they have a pretty good reputation, and Chrysler upgraded pretty much everything, from frame to brakes, to drivetrain. Seriously, I doubt it will be any big issue.
Yes, we're a niche market but gvw numbers affect everyone not just us. That was my point. Also, I'm sure there's more to it than just pasting D O D G E on the back door but my point was it isn't an absolutely brand new never before seen vehicle like a 1964.5 Mustang or whatever.
Just call a Fiat dealer in Italy or somewhere over there and find out what their numbers are?...NA version might be a little different.
4K for the diesel option on top of 37K and other options will bring the van to about 42 to 43K, MB would be at 45 to 47K for an 2014.
Dodge max length is like my 2005 sprinter 169 to 160 inches for the ProMaster. Width of the promaster is larger at 73 inches height is better in the ProMaster and the width between the wheel wells is better in the ProMaster at 56 inches. Plus the Dodge will carry more freight then the sprinter.
I have my sprinter up to 300K in miles and I was looking for a newer van and they still are over priced for a used one. Therefore, New is what I might go for this time around and since Ford is over a year out for their Van, I just might end up with a Dodge about Christmas time.
**** I'm talking myself into a new van.
1 question whilst you are talking yourself into this...
How do you know it will carry more freight not knowing what the empty/curb weight is?
This was as of May.2013, just find the part where they post the weights.
Ram ProMaster - the big van based on the Fiat Ducato