Chrysler to get new small work van from Fiat to compete against Ford's Transit Connect

Fiat's Doblo could end up as a Chrysler vehicle when it comes to the USA to compete against Ford's Transit Connect

CAPTION

By Fiat

Watch out, Ford. Chrysler has its sights on a promising area of new business that you thought you had carved out for yourself -- carlike fuel-efficient cargo vans.

Chrysler plans to import a version of the Fiat Doblo compact van in the U.S., Automotive News reports. The van has the same look and configuration as Ford's just-introduced Transit Connect, built in Turkey and a success across Europe. The Doblo would be sold as a Ram, the truck brand being separated from Dodge. And it won't be alone:

The Doblo will join a large Fiat-based van to be sold in the U.S. by the new Ram truck brand, along with a restyled chassis cab model and light- and heavy-duty Ram vehicles. Fiat has a 20% stake in Chrysler, which is enough to be considered the controlling shareholder.

The latest version of the Doblo starts sale in Europe starting in mid-January with U.S. sales in 2012. No name for the U.S. market yet. The new Doblo offers the most interior room and lowest carbon emissions of any van in its segment, Fiat boasts.