Caravan Insurance

Fiat has increased and improved the level of aftersales support it gives to drivers who purchase its vans, as it seeks to consolidate its already strong market share in the UK.

Having seen the popularity of its van models increase considerably over recent years, Fiat has decided to extend its aftersales infrastructure, with 11 per cent of its dealers now working literally around the clock to perform services and repair work for customers.

In addition, Fiat is now working closely in conjunction with sister firm Iveco for the purpose of creating an effective joint service, with 25 dealers in total expected to be providing both Iveco and Fiat van aftersale services by the end of the year.

Commercial vehicles director Kevin Henderson commented: "With the actions we have taken to improve our aftersales offer to the marketplace, we are well positioned to increase our sales penetration in both fleet and business sectors.

"By extending our franchise to Iveco dealers, the network has benefited greatly as their focus has always been on commercial vehicles."

Fiat's own aftersales network is also to see ten per cent of its dealers introduce far more extended and flexible hours for aftersales services, while the number of specialists van dealers it has is to rise by 12 to 75 by the end of 2006.

Fiat's share of the UK van market stood at 4.15 per cent at the end of June, having already risen to 3.92 per cent in 2005 from 3.85 per cent the year before.