Fiat Ducato

}} The Ducato was first launched in 1981, and was the result of Fiat's collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën, that resulted in the vehicle's development starting in 1978. The vehicles were manufactured at the Sevel Val di Sangro plant in Atessa, in central Italy, and at the Sevel Campania plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, together with the similar Alfa Romeo AR6, Citroën C25, and Peugeot J5 versions. The Peugeot J5 was sold as the Talbot Express in the United Kingdom (1986–1994). The collaboration of Fiat and PSA had earlier produced the Fiat 242 and Citroën C35 from 1974. For the Fiat, engines were 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol or 1.9 litre diesel. Trim levels were base, S, and SX. Model variants were named according to carrying capacity: Ducato 10 (1.0 tons), Ducato 13 (1.3 tons), Ducato 14 (1.4 tons), and Ducato Maxi 18 (1.8 tons). The Ducato Mk1 was very popular as a basis for campervan conversions. Starting in 1990, Fiat offered the campervan manufacturers a platform developed especially for this purpose. In August 1992, some Fiat Ducatos were built with the T29C electric DC motor from Leroy-Somer, named as the Ducato Elettra powered by 28 six-volt valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) gel cell batteries, producing 168 volts DC and 160 amperes, in a wooden box weighing 868 kg. This 4765 × 1965 × 2100 mm transporter (maximum gross weight 3190 kg) had a vehicle payload of 750 kg and a range up to 70 kilometers. Fiat Talento The Fiat Talento (Italian pronunciation: ) is a light commercial vehicle produced by the Italian automaker Fiat, first sold in 1981 as a short-wheelbase version of the Ducato. In 1994, the first generation Talento was discontinued. It has been offered in two non-consecutive generations, as the nameplate made its return as a rebadged Renault Trafic (X82) in 2016. The name continues Fiat's practice of naming their commercial vehicles after old currencies, with "talento" referring to the talent, a unit of measurement often used for precious metals. Alfa Romeo AR6 The Alfa Romeo AR6 was a badge-engineered Ducato sold by Alfa Romeo on the Italian market only, as a replacement for the Alfa Romeo Romeo. It was available in two different wheelbase lengths, and as a passenger van, commercial van, or pick-up truck. It was also the final commercial vehicle sold by Alfa Romeo. The Alfa Romeo AR6 was produced in the Sevel Campania plant (formerly owned by ARVECO – Alfa Romeo Industrial Vehicles) of Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, until 1 January 1986, when Alfa Romeo dropped out of the commercial vehicle business entirely. Production of the Fiat Ducato continued in the same plant until 1994 when it was closed. Citroën C25 The Citroën C25 was a 2.5 tonne capacity van (hence the name C25) produced from October 1981 until 1993. The C25 succeeded the dated corrugated Citroën Type H post war one tonne van. The C25's engines are transversely mounted; the petrol one is a Peugeot 504 unit whilst the diesel one is from the Citroën CX diesel. Both units are coupled to a Citroën gearbox. In February 1982, the range was extended to include a pick-up truck and a minibus. In 1991, the C25 series 2 was launched with an enlarged grille. In 1994, the C25 was replaced by the Jumper. Peugeot J5 The Peugeot J5 was a 2.5 tonne capacity van, also produced from October 1981 until 1993. Its powertrains are as per the Citroën C25. In 1991, the J5 series 2 was launched with a new front grille and headlights. It was replaced in 1994 by the Peugeot Boxer, which was based on the second generation Fiat Ducato. It sold reasonably well in France but enjoyed little commercial success outside France, being overshadowed in much of Europe by the Fiat Ducato, which was supported by stronger commercial vehicle dealership networks in key markets. Talbot Express The Talbot Express van, sold solely in the United Kingdom, was the last Talbot-badged motor vehicle to be produced, quietly succeeding the outdated Dodge Spacevan model line. Production of this badge-engineered version for the United Kingdom began in 1982 and continued until 1994, nearly eight years after the last Talbot badged passenger car had been withdrawn. Its Citroën/Peugeot petrol and diesel engines were transversely mounted driving the front wheels. A 4×4 option was also available, although is very rare today. In 1991, the series 2 Express was launched with an enlarged grille. Production was discontinued in 1994, when Peugeot finally discarded the Talbot marque. This van was popular in the United Kingdom, for new conversions to camper vans or motorhomes by coach builders. Provided they are well-maintained and not too rusty, they can still command prices of many thousands of pounds even though they are over thirty years old. This is in marked contrast to the values of the commercial van versions. Engines Electric version In August 1992, some Fiat Ducatos were built with the T29C electric DC motor from Leroy-Somer, named as the Ducato Elettra powered by 28 six-volt valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) gel cell batteries, producing 168 volts DC and 160 amperes, in a wooden box weighing 868 kg. This 4765 × 1965 × 2100 mm transporter (maximum gross weight 3190 kg) had a vehicle payload of 750 kg and a range up to 70 kilometers. The motor was known for stalling if regenerative braking was used too long, likely due to preventing overheating the batteries, and the motor had to come to a standstill for around 5-10 seconds to be able to restart. The technology was similar to the Citroën C15 Electrique, with the only difference being motor power and amount of batteries. Citroën C25 Electrique and Peugeot J5 Electrique versions were also produced in limited numbers starting in 1989, and about 300 were made. ==Second generation (1993)==