Fiat launches a range of offers on the All-New Fullback pick up truck.

• All-new FIAT Professional Fullback pickup truck available to eligible business users with a realistic new business contract hire package
• With a deposit of just £1,494* business users can lease a high-specification FIAT Professional Fullback 2.4 180hp LX for just £249 per month
• Mileage limit is a value for money 10,000 miles per annum† and the business hire contract runs for just 24 months
• Offer includes metallic paint as well as the standard LX equipment, advanced ESC including TSA (Trailer Stability Assist), cruise control, leather upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav and reversing camera
• Full maintenance can be added for an additional £18* per month
• Offer is available to eligible business users until 30^thSeptember 2016 only

For a limited period, until the end of September, business customers can put themselves behind the wheel of the all-new FIAT Professional Fullback pickup truck for just £249, with an initial payment of just £1,494, courtesy of a new business contact hire package offered by FIAT Professional.

The business contract hire package runs for 24 months, so businesses aren’t tied to long contracts, and the mileage allowance is an attractive 10,000 miles per year. For added peace of mind, BCH customers can roll scheduled maintenance costs into the contract for an additional £18 per month, making running a new FIAT Professional Fullback even easier to afford and budget for.

Engineered to meet the broad needs of business users  – both professional and recreational – the new FIAT Professional Fullback adopts the upmarket appearance of a sports SUV with its swept-back fascia, chunky front bumper and roomy cab-forward layout, not to mention the distinctive swage lines along the flanks which help integrate the bed into the overall design.

Powered by an advanced, 2.4-litre aluminium-block turbo diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbo charger, the FIAT Professional Fullback LX produces 180hp and 430Nm, while the full-time four-wheel drive system has four electrically-controlled settings: 2H, 4H plus 4HLc and 4LLc. The official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 44.1mpg (6.4L/100km) and its CO₂ emission figure is 173g/km. Other technical highlights across the FIAT ProfessionalFullback range include a 1045kg payload with a bed length of up to 1.85m, 3,100kg un-braked towing capacity, best-in-class turning circle, sophisticated double wishbone front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs for maximum reliability and sturdiness.

Standard equipment on the LX includes heated leather upholstery, climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation as standard. Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera and a comfort-oriented “Touring” suspension are also included in the generous LX specification.

The FIAT Professional Fullback starts at £20,995 (excluding VAT, VED, delivery and plates) for the SX version. The high-specification LX manual is priced from £22,995 (excluding VAT and OTR charges) while the LX automatic is priced from £24,395 (excluding VAT and OTR charges).

UK pricing & specification of the new FIAT Fullback announced at the international media launch in Turin.

• UK pricing and specification of the new FIAT Professional Fullback announced at the international media launch in Turin
• FIAT Professional’s brand new “Work Hero” is designed to meet the professional and lifestyle needs of its hard-working owners
• Versatile, tough and always reliable – the FIAT Fullback takes its name from the key rugby or American football position
• UK customers can choose between the 2.4 150hp SX, 2.4 180hp LX and the 2.4 180hp LX automatic
• Prices in the UK start from £20,995 excluding VAT and OTR charges

FIAT Professional has announced pricing and specification details of the new Fullback pickup truck ahead of its UK launch on July 4. Engineered to meet the broad needs of business users  – both professional and recreational - the new FIAT Professional Fullback offers the kind of flexibility and dependability its name suggests: A fundamental playing position rugby or American football; the fullback which requires an intelligent and adaptable player capable of dealing with any situation.

With the new Fullback, FIAT Professional enters the buoyant medium-duty pick up segment which accounts for 650,000 vehicles a year in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) representing 22% of the total LCV market. In the UK more than 40,000 pickups were registered in 2015 – a jump of 20% compared to 2014 – so it is clear that there is growing audience, both internationally and in the UK, who see the rugged and practical pickup truck as an the ideal solution to their broad spectrum of vehicle needs.

In terms of styling, the front of the FIAT Professional Fullback adopts the upmarket appearance of a sports SUV with its swept-back fascia, chunky front bumper and roomy cab-forward layout. Distinctive swage lines along the flanks tie the front of the pickup truck to the rear and, along with the sweeping shape of the front and rear lamps, help fully integrate the load bed as part of the vehicle’s overall design. Detailing is tasteful and restrained with two strips of satin silver trim used to frame the front grille on the entry-level SX, while LX versions also have a subtle satin silver trim around sump protector, as well as chrome-finished door mirrors, door handles and side steps. Attractive 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the SX while the profile of the LX model is enhanced with 17-inch alloy wheels and substantial, body-coloured wheel arch protectors.

The interior combines the functionality of a work vehicle with the comfort and elegance of luxury vehicle with an attractive and ergonomically designed, two-tone black-and-silver dashboard, supportive and comfortable seats and impressive rear passenger room. Standard equipment on the SX version includes remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity (phone calling and music streaming), DAB digital radio, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob, steering-wheel mounted remote audio controls, air conditioning (including rear vents), Start & Stop, front fog lamps, a tubular side step and a host of safety features including seven airbags, advanced ESC with ASR, TSA (Trailer Stability Assist), LED DRLs, hill start assist and cruise control with a speed limiter. Land Departure Warning and a reversing camera are both standard on the LX version.

The FIAT Professional Fullback SX is powered an aluminium-block, 2.4-litre diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbo charger which produces 150hp and 380Nm of torque yet its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is just 44.2MPG (6.4L/100km) and its CO₂ emissions are 169g/km. The standard SX transmission comprises a six-speed manual gearbox with on demand four-wheel drive system with three electrically-selected settings: 2H, 4H and 4L.

The power and torque outputs of LX version are increased to 180hp and 430Nm, while the full-time four-wheel drive system has four electrically-controlled settings: 2H, 4H plus 4HLc and 4LLc with a locking central differential for improved traction. Its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 42.2MPG (6.6L/100km) and its CO₂ emission figure is 173g/km.

Technical highlights across all FIAT Professional Fullback models include a one-tonne payload with a bed length of up to 1.52m, 3,100kg un-braked towing capacity (2,700kg for the SX model), best-in-class turning circle. Sophisticated double wishbone front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs for maximum reliability and sturdiness.

Standard equipment on the LX includes keyless go, leather upholstery, electrically-adjusted and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, enhanced body styling, privacy glass and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation as standard. Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera and a comfort-oriented “Touring” suspension are also including in the generous LX specification When equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the LX version adds an upgraded 7-inch infotainment system and transmission paddle gear shifters.

Available as a double cab only and with all-wheel drive standard on all versions, the FIAT Professional Fullback starts at £20,995 (excluding VAT, VED, delivery and plates) for the SX version. The high-specification LX manual is priced from £22,995 (excluding VAT and OTR charges) while the LX automatic is priced from £24,395 (excluding VAT and OTR charges). The new FIAT Fullback will be available to order from FIAT Professional dealers from 4 July.

- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION -

FIAT Fullback Version	2.4 150hp SX	2.4 180hp LX		2.4 180hp LX Auto
C02	169	173		189
Combined MPG	44.2	42.8		39.2
Combined l/Km	6.4	6.6		7.2
Displacement cc	2442	2442		2442
Max output hp / Nm	150 / 380	180 / 430		180 / 430
Fuel System	Turbo Diesel Electronic Common Rail Direct Injection
Transmission	MT 6-speed	MT 6-speed		Auto 5-speed
Steering	Rack and pinion power assisted – 5.9m turning circle
Suspension (rear)	Rigid, elliptic leaf springs
Brakes	(F) 16-inch Ventilated Disc (R) 11.6-inch Leading and trailing drums
Tyres	205/R16C	245/65R17		245/65R17
Off Road Angles	Approach 30° / Departure 22°/ Ground Clearance 205mm
Length mm	5285	5285		5285
Width mm	1785	1815		1815
Height mm	1775	1780		1780
Track (mm)	(F) 1520 (R) 1515
Overhangs (mm)	(F) 865 (R)1420
Kerb weight kg	1765		1875	1875
GVW kg	2800		2905	2910
Towing (unbraked) kg	2700		3100	3100
Payload kg	1035		1030	1035
Seating capacity	5		5	5

The new FIAT Fullback takes centre stage at the official FIM Motocross World Championship MxGP

• The new FIAT Fullback takes centre stage at the official FIM Motocross World Championship MxGP
• FCA Group's commercial vehicle brand, FIAT Professional, will support the FIM Motocross World Championship MxGP throughout the 2016 season, in its role as official partner
• FIAT Professional is also title sponsor in three of the Championship's main races: Great Britain, Mantua, Italy and Belgium
• This partnership showcases the competitive soul and all-terrain capabilities of the brand’s growing model line up

The new FIAT Fullback is title sponsor of the MxGP of Great Britain, taking place in the spectacular Matterley Basin circuit in Winchester on June 18 and 19. The Motocross Grand Prix will be named "Fullback MxGP of Great Britain" and the visibility of the FIAT Professional brand will be further enhanced to showcase the growing versatility and broader appeal of its growing range of commercial vehicles.

FIAT Professional's Fullback pickup truck is the new "Work Hero", created for the real needs of business customers but capable, if needed, of also meeting the needs of daily life with a roomy comfortable cabin, car-like refinement, assured handling and a powerful yet frugal 2.4-litre, common rail, turbo diesel engine with two power and torque outputs: 150hp / 380 Nm or 180hp / 430 Nm. It is also available with two types of transmission, a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, both equipped with on-demand four-wheel drive.

FCA Group’s commercial vehicle brand, FIAT Professional, will support the FIM Motocross World Championship MxGP for the 2016 season as official sponsor and as title sponsor for two more races - Belgium and Mantua, Italy - in addition to Great Britain.

Domenico Gostoli, Head of FIAT Professional for the EMEA region, commented: "For our brand, this is more than just a sponsorship. Fullback is the star of our range, and with motocross, we can highlight the competitive soul of the brand and the off-road capabilities of our pick-up."

At each European stage of the Motocross World Championship FIAT Professional will have an exhibition area where it will be possible to view the entire range. The new FIAT Fullback will take centre stage, appealing to MxGP fans with its rugged looks and all-terrain capability - not unlike a motocross bike, in fact!

FIAT Professional also organised a photo contest, "Motocross and Camper vans", which will enable two lucky winners to get four Paddock passes for either the MxGP of France, Great Britain or Lombardia (Italy) as well as a "Living Area" pass to live aboard a FIAT Ducato-based camper van in the same area as the riders. More information can be found at: www.FIATcampermxgp.com.

The new FIAT Fullback is FIAT Professional's first contender in the medium-duty pick-up truck segment and it will be available in the UK in two trim levels with pricing and specifications to be announced at the vehicle's launch later in the month. Further information on the FIAT Professional range, is available fromwww.FIATprofessionalpress.co.uk and business users can find out more on the public websitewww.FIATprofessional.co.uk.

An unusual Volkswagen pick-up truck, which belonged to a member of the Porsche family is up for auction/

An unusual Volkswagen pick-up truck, which belonged to a member of the world famous Porsche family and designer of the iconic 911, will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at The Classic Race Aarhus motorsport festival in Denmark, on 28^th and 29^th May.

This 1989 Volkswagen T3 double cab pick-up truck was owned by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, also known as “Butzi”, the son of "Ferry", and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, founder of Porsche and Volkswagen and creator of the VW Beetle.

After it was decided to change the Porsche legal structure and to keep the family out of its management, Ferdinand Alexander went on to found his own company, the Porsche Design Studio in 1972. 

Initially based in Stuttgart, the company was later moved to Zell am See, Austria, close to the Porsche family estate, Schüttgut. It was for use at this company that “Butzi” bought the T3 Doka pick-up. Purchased on 12th December 1989, the truck was used on the estate for various purposes in the daily running of the business.

The truck was purchased by the current vendor, a Porsche racing driver with long-standing links with the Porsche family, in 2014. After a bare metal restoration process of over 700 hours carried out at his Porsche racing garage, the truck presents today in superb condition. With a total of 141,000 kilometres recorded, and supporting paperwork clearly listing Ferdinand Alexander Porsche as the first owner, the truck will be offered at auction with an estimate of between €60,000 and €80,000.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, commented, “The Porsche family is automotive royalty and it’s an honour to have a vehicle in our auction with the distinction of being one of the few cars registered privately in the Porsche family name. This is a superb opportunity to add a quirky and historically significant vehicle to an ultimate Porsche collection.”

The youngest in the lineage of Porsche family engineers, Ferdinand Alexander, affectionately nicknamed "Butzi", meaning ‘baby’ in German, was chief designer of the styling department at Porsche. He played a fundamental roll in the design of the iconic Porsche 911, as well as the 904 and 914, establishing a design culture that continues to shape the manufacturers sports cars to this very day.

Nick Whale added, “This is a very special addition to our first international sale in Denmark, and though pick-up trucks do not come into our sales often, we feel this is a very special exception.”