Chrysler Group LLC is getting back into the work van business today, unveiling its new Ram ProMaster line based on the Fiat Ducato — one of the best-selling commercial vehicles in Europe.
Chrysler's designers and engineers have tweaked the Fiat design to meet the needs of the American market. But the company's Mopar division is taking that even further by offering special versions of the van pre-equipped with the tools needed by different trades.
For example, customers will be able to order a package for heating-and-cooling contractors that will arrive from the factory with everything from a roof-mounted ladder rack to built in parts-storage bins. Or they can pick a package for delivery services that includes a cargo partition and tie-downs, rear-window guards, backup camera and a remote monitoring system that can alert fleet managers if the van's driver speeds or leaves a predefined work area.