Happy 35th Birthday to the Fiat Professional Ducato large panel Van, sold in 80 countries, 3 factories & 6 generations.

SOLD in more than 80 countries worldwide and with an incredible 10,000 variants, the legendary Fiat Ducato is celebrating its 35^th birthday.

The ever-popular van, which has become as iconic as a camper as it has as a commercial vehicle, marked the milestone this week.

Since the first Ducato rolled off the production line at Val di Sangro’s SEVEL (Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri) factory in October 1981, it has consistently been a market leader in versatility, engine power and low running costs.

Today, the sixth-generation Ducato is produced in three countries (Mexico, Brazil and Italy), with a better payload than ever (2,100kg) and even the option of air suspension.

Offering a range of diesel engines and with second-generation MultiJet technology, it sets the bar in terms of efficiency and low maintenance costs.

Other milestones reached over the years include the introduction of Steyr-Puch all-wheel drive in 1989, the all-electric Ducato Elettra launched in the early 1990s and winning International Van of the Year in 1994. 

Its third-generation variant became a game changer when, for the first time in the sector, the gear lever was incorporated into the central console, facilitating access to the cab from both doors and from the cab to the loading compartment.

In the early 2000s it led the way for alternative fuels in Europe with its petrol/methane engine, while the fifth-generation Ducato, launched in 2006, was the first front-wheel-drive van to offer a volume of 17 cubic metres.

The popularity of the Ducato shows no sign of stopping with more than five million sales since its launch. Sold in more than 80 countries worldwide, including North America since 2013 by RAM under the name of PROMASTER, the Ducato is now produced in three countries (Mexico, Brazil and Italy) and is a truly global vehicle and a leader in the light commercial vehicles sector. 

The Fiat Ducato starts at £21,445 (excluding VAT).