Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, from Daimler AG, with its conservative rear-wheel drive layout, despite having a narrower body than the average American full-size van, were very sucessful since its introduction in the USDM as a Dodge product, but nowadays Chrysler LLC, which has the rights to the Dodge brand, is tied up with Fiat SpA. Then, a gap emerged in Dodge lineup with the Sprinter being reintroduced as a Mercedes-Benz, and a replacement is required.
From Fiat lineup, the front-wheel drive Ducato is often pointed as a viable option. Due to its lighter transmission setup, and the transverse engine layout allowing a more compact packaging, it turns out as an effective way to meet higher fuel-efficiency requirements. Its stability, comparably higher than the average rear-wheel drive vans, is particularly attractive since it could avoid lawsuits from reckless drivers. And is also a great advantage for some vocational applications such as ambulances...
Another option is the Iveco Daily, which RWD layout, and the longitudinal engine placement, allow to an increasement in the engine and transmission options that could be offered and shared with Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep current lineups. Higher GVW ratings are also available to meet different requirements. Dual rear wheel, preferred by many operators due to the enhanced stability, despite absent in the Ducato, is also available for the Daily range...
Another example of this trend is the Ford Transit: the model, already available in Mexico only in front-wheel drive layout with a transverse 4-cylinder 2.2L turbodiesel and a manual transmission, has many rear-wheel drive versions in other markets, including some fitted with the same Duratec 2.3L formerly used in the Fusion and the Ranger. To the entry versions, with lower payload and GVW ratings to be an alternative over the current truck-based E-150, the front-wheel drive layout can be attractive for its enhanced fuel-efficiency and lower purchase cost, also benefitting from the enhanced stability. Another advantage is the lower cargo platform, which could be an enormous advantage due to the increasement of the overall cargo volume and due to the easier boarding it might benefit some special applications such as ambulances...
So, despite some common misbeliefs, front-wheel drive presents itself actually as a reasonable option to many commercial van customers.
