TURIN - Fiat Auto will begin producing its new Doblo next month in Turkey.
The Doblo is Fiat's entry into the 'multispace' market - the rapidly growing subdivision of the compact minivan segment.
About 100,000 Doblos a year will be built in Turkey for the Turkish and European markets. Another 50,000 units will be made starting next year in Brazil for South America.
Unveiled at the Paris auto show in September, the Doblo will be priced to compete with the Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo - the vehicles that created the multispace concept of compact minivans derived from light commercial vehicles.
Roberto Testore, Fiat Auto managing director, said he could not predict how Doblo volumes will be split between the two versions.
'Within the company, there are some who say it will be 60 percent compact minivans and 40 percent commercial vans. Others say the opposite,' he said. 'We will have to see.'
The Doblo is the last derivative of the Fiat 178 world car program. That program has so far spawned the Palio hatchback, Siena sedan, Palio weekend station wagon and Strada pickup.
Fiat announces face-lift of Palio range, Page 12
