Inside Look: Discover the FIAT Ducato platform we use for the Interstate 'One'

Today we catch up with James McHendrie, the man at the helm of Stellantis' motorhome sales and operations in Australia. James plays a crucial role in ensuring that vehicles are not only delivered to the Interstate factory on time, but also that his team provides first class support to both Interstate and its customers. It's all about making sure everything runs smoothly in this partnership.

Stellantis is a relatively new name in the automotive world, but it represents a powerful alliance. Could you share a bit about Stellantis, and what makes it such a significant player in the industry today?

Stellantis is a new name, but it's a big deal in the automotive world. We formed in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France's PSA Group merged. Today, we encompass a family of 14 car brands that people worldwide know and trust. 

Our brands cover a huge range of markets from industrial vans to luxury sedans to performance super-cars. The list includes well known names like Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, and Peugeot.

We are a truly global team, with employees from over 160 nationalities working across more than 30 countries, serving customers worldwide. Looking ahead, our Dare Forward 2030 strategy outlines our ambitious plans. We aim to achieve carbon net-zero by 2038 and deliver exceptional value not just for our customers, but for all stakeholders connected with Stellantis.

The journey of a FIAT Ducato is quite fascinating, from its production overseas to becoming an Interstate One motorhome here in Australia. Can you walk us through where these vehicles are made and how they make their way to our shores?

The life of an Interstate motorhome begins in the heart of Italy, at the Sevel plant in Atessa. Each Ducato is assembled with renowned European craftsmanship. Once finished, the vans begin their journey to Australia. On arrival, each van undergoes a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection by a FIAT Professional dealer. This step ensures that everything is in order - from software updates to making sure the vehicle is tuned for Australian roads. Finally, we hand over to Interstate where the real transformation takes place, turning these vans into the campervans your customers love.

The reason the Ducato is so popular among motorhome enthusiasts and manufacturers comes down to its blend of reliability and versatility. The base design is the perfect fit for motorhomes - it is spacious, robust and available in various configurations to suit different requirements. Additionally, our experience in the commercial vehicle market means we've perfected what works best for both tradespeople and travellers. In Australia alone, over ten motorhome and campervan partners have chosen the Ducato as their base. 

For someone exploring their options in the motorhome market, there are plenty of choices out there. What makes the FIAT Ducato stand out from the crowd, and why should potential buyers have it at the top of their list?

The Ducato stands out against other motorhomes for its versatility - the design is pretty clever; it's boxy in a good way, maximising the space inside so you can pack in more of what you need.

We invest heavily in technology to keep drivers safe on the road, make long trips more enjoyable and ensure you don't use fuel unnecessarily. The Ducato has all the modern features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected and entertained.Over the years, the Ducato has earned a reputation for exceptional durability and reliability with which is why we can offer our motorhome customers a 5 year warranty. We’re trusted by both manufacturers and motorhome owners - a testament to the Ducatos performance in challenging environments like the Australian outback.

The debate between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive has been around for ages. In today’s context, how relevant is this discussion when it comes to choosing a motorhome?

Oh, the age-old debate about front-wheel or rear-wheel drive is always interesting, especially when it comes to motorhomes. We tend to favour front-wheel drive for a number of practical reasons. Firstly, with a lower centre of gravity, front-wheel drives handle exceptionally well by offering a balanced ride on the motorway along with better traction around tight corners at campsites and parking lots.

In the context of front-wheel drive, we’re often asked about traction. In bad weather - think rain, snow or even just a muddy campsite - the weight of the engine on the front wheels means it grips the ground surface better, exactly when you need it to. In the latest Ducatos, we offer a feature called Traction+ that manages wheel power to maintain smooth travel, similar to traditional diff-lock only electronically controlled and designed for front wheel drives. Our goal is to make your journey just as enjoyable as your destination.

Safety is always a top priority for us and our customers. Could you delve into the safety technologies and features that the FIAT Ducato offers, particularly those that are crucial for motorhome users?

Absolutely, safety is something we take very seriously, especially with vehicles that are converted into motorhomes. It's packed with active and passive safety features designed to protect and support the driver when travelling. The Ducato has an Autonomous Emergency Braking System that can recognise pedestrians and cyclists, and it uses specialised cameras to monitor the road ahead to automatically apply the brakes if it recognises that a collision is possible.

Then there is the lane keeping system, which helps to keep the vehicle in its lane. It's smart enough to detect when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signalling and gently steers it back on course. We also have an Attention Assist feature that monitors for signs of driver fatigue and alerts you if it senses you might need a break. For those long stretches of motorway, adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, making the drive a little less tiring. There are also rain and dusk sensors for automatic activation of windscreen wipers and headlights, blind spot assist for hard-to-see areas and even rear cross-traffic detection for safer reversing.  

Australia's vast landscape presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to service and support. How does Stellantis ensure that FIAT Ducato owners are taken care of, even in remote areas? And are there any new support initiatives on the horizon?

You're absolutely right; Australia is vast, and we understand how important it is for owners to have dependable support no matter where they are. That's why we've built and continue to build a network of dealers across the country who really know the Ducato. We make sure they’re well trained and ready to help you get back on the road if you encounter any problems. Our head office offers extra support through our “Flying Doctors” which is a funny name for mobile technicians who in some cases can come to you.

We also have a dedicated customer support hotline just for our motorhome owners. You can reach us on 1800 870 718. We're also working on expanding our service network even further, so stay tuned for updates.

When it comes to recalls or warranty work, visiting an authorised repairer is a given. But what about regular maintenance? Does going to a non-authorised service centre impact the warranty in any way?

Of course, you can take your vehicle to a non-authorised workshop for regular servicing without having to worry about the warranty. Just make sure that the maintenance follows the instructions in your vehicle's service and warranty manual. Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle runs smoothly and stays in top condition and maximises resale value.

The Ducato comes with a three-year roadside assistance plan. Could you outline what this includes and how it supports owners, especially those travelling far from urban areas?

Absolutely, the three-year roadside assistance plan that comes with your FIAT Ducato is available 24/7, every day of the year, to help you with any issues you might face while travelling. Whether you have a flat battery, run out of fuel, get a flat tyre, or even lock your keys inside the van, we're here to help. If you get stuck or have an accident, we offer towing services, emergency accommodation and even a hire car so you're not stranded.

When you call, just make sure to have your name, location, membership number, registration number and a brief description of the problem to hand. This information helps us reach you promptly and provide the assistance you need.

With the rise of private rental platforms, some of our customers are renting out their Interstate motorhomes when not in use. Does this affect their warranty and are there any precautions they should take?

No, renting out your Interstate motorhome won't affect the FIAT warranty at all. We'll still cover any manufacturing defects during the warranty period, just like we promised. Just keep up with regular maintenance and follow the guidelines in your service and warranty manual and you can rent it out confidently, knowing we've got you covered.

Finally, what advice would you give to Interstate One owners to help them keep their FIAT Ducato in top condition for years to come? Any insider tips or maintenance practices you’d recommend?

Keeping your Interstate in great condition ensures you'll enjoy it for many years. Regular maintenance is essential, but we have a clear recommended schedule to follow.  

Driving gently can make a big difference, as does regularly checking your engine oil and coolant levels. Cleaning your Ducato protects the paintwork, so wash and wax it regularly with quality products. Try not to let mud sit on it for too long, and if possible, park in the shade to prevent sun damage. If it's unused for a while, storing it in a garage is best.

Don't ignore the little things: small dents, scratches and windscreen chips can become bigger problems if left unattended. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check the tread wear and change them as necessary. 

And finally, use your vehicle regularly. Vehicles like the Ducato are made to be driven. Believe it or not, keeping parts moving is better than having it sit there. 

This may sound like a bit of effort, but these measures can really extend the service life and resale value of your Interstate.

That's all the time we have with James today, and we hope you found the interview interesting to read. If you'd like to find out more about the Interstate One or the Fiat Ducato, just click here for more information. 

Need help with support, warranty or breakdown assistance?
Give Fiat a call on 1800 870 718.

And hey, if you have any suggestions on who we should chat to next, drop us a line at contact@gointerstate.com.au