Stellantis, the conglomerate that contains six renowned automotive brands including Ram and Fiat, is making a strategic move to dominate the global commercial vehicles market with its Pro One initiative. Building on its recent successes, such as the launch of the Ram ProMaster EV and the re-launch of Ram Professional, Stellantis aims to further enhance its commercial lineup and achieve record sales by 2025.
During Stellantis’ Investor Day, Chris Feuell, the boss of Chrysler and Ram, revealed that the company has implemented comprehensive changes on the commercial side to drive sales. As part of these changes, Stellantis plans to introduce a small van with an electric vehicle (EV) option to the North American market. This addition will not only strengthen Ram Professional’s offerings but also provide customers with a convenient one-stop solution for all their commercial vehicle needs.
According to Mopar Insiders, a reliable source in the automotive industry, Stellantis might base its new ProMaster City on the Fiat Scudo and E-Scudo vans. These vans, currently sold as part of Fiat Professional overseas, offer a range of size and powertrain options that directly compete with Ford’s Transit Connect. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares even singled out Ford CEO Jim Farley when discussing the competition. The Scudo vans boast cargo and passenger configurations, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for safety, and in-cabin features like the Moduwork System that transforms the passenger seat into a mobile workstation. Meanwhile, the E-Scudo offers two battery options, impressive range, and fast charging capabilities.
While the Fiat Scudo and E-Scudo vans are strong contenders, Stellantis is also considering the smaller Doblo van from Fiat Professional as a potential option. Although smaller in size compared to the Scudo, the Doblo still holds promise for meeting the needs of certain customers in the commercial market.
Tavares is confident in Stellantis’ ability to challenge Ford’s dominant position in the commercial sector, stating that they will bring “strong arguments” to the fight. To further solidify their position, Stellantis plans to introduce both ICE and EV versions of the small van next year, with additional surprises in store. This aggressive push into the commercial market comes at a significant cost, but Tavares believes it is justified, citing the higher profitability of Ram’s fleet compared to Jeep in the United States.
Beyond sales, Stellantis aims to capitalize on the growing trend of connected services in the automotive industry. As part of their Dare Forward 2030 plan, Stellantis envisions the commercial vehicles business contributing a third of the company’s net revenue. By offering a comprehensive range of vehicles and investing in connected services, Stellantis aims to position itself as a leader in the global commercial vehicles market.
In conclusion, Stellantis’ Pro One initiative signifies a strong commitment to achieving global leadership in the commercial vehicles segment. By leveraging the strengths of its various brands and introducing highly competitive models like the new ProMaster City, Stellantis aims to challenge Ford’s dominance and capture a significant share of the market. With a focus on both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles, as well as innovative features and connected services, Stellantis is well-positioned for success in this highly competitive industry.
