Like a number of Major motor manufacturers, Fiat UK operate a Professional Dealer network who have to conform to Dealer standards as set by Fiat. Above are the current standards as set out on the Fiat Website. These standards set by the manufacturer are intended to reassure any potential customer that in the event of a base unit failure, Fiat will provide you with the reassurance that your vehicle will be repaired in a timely and professional manner.
Some of the stories that I have read within this forum are absolutely disgraceful and the fact that Dealers are unable to provide parts from the main UK Fiat parts warehouse within 48 hours is pure rubbish. Besides motorhomes, the next biggest customer of Fiat Ducato base units are many ambulance services up and down the Country. Do you believe they are told to keep their vehicles off the road for weeks on end due to the possible failure of a potential recall part be it an EGR failure or some poorly designed pipe clip. I have good experience of other manufacturers who provide at least a contribution towards vehicle rental whilst your van is off the road, now this does not apply to motorhome rental however it does provide a car or a van customer with the reassurance that their is a mobility solution should their vehicle develop a fault and be off the road, it also incentives the manufacturer to get the part to the dealer quickly in order to reduce hire vehicle contributions.
My recommendation to anyone given news not to use their expensive motorhome for weeks and sometimes months due to these types of problem is complain. Complain to the Manager of the Fiat Professional Dealer, if that doesn’t work complain to Fiat customer services and if that doesn’t work complain to the Managing director of Fiat UK.
Not sure if my initial excitement is now turning to potential dread!