Fiat presented in Brazil the new Titaniuma medium pickup that is assembled in Uruguay and that sounds like it will be manufactured in the future on Argentine soil.
At the moment, there is no official confirmation of this possibility or that this model will be marketed in the local market. But the truth is that in one way or another, this new truck seems to have a relationship with the Argentine automotive sector.
In the Brazilian market it begins to be sold with motor turbodieseloptions with manual or automatic gearbox, 4×4 traction with reduction gear, double cabin bodywork and three equipment levels.
The Italian brand currently has 43% of pickup sales in Brazil (according to 2023 data), with models such as the Strada (the best-selling vehicle in the total market) and the Toro. But it did not have a presence in the midsize category, where there are models like the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger.
In the past, Fiat had had a pickup with similar characteristics with the Fullback, a truck that was manufactured based on the Mitsubishi L200.
How the Titano was born
To know the origin of this Titano we have to go back to 2017, when Peugeot reached an agreement with the Chinese manufacturer Changan to manufacture a medium-sized truck. In this way, the Landtrek pickup from the lion brand was born.
Four years later, Stellantis was created, the conglomerate that brings together the Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep, Citroën, DS and RAM brands in our region. It was there when the Italian company saw the opportunity to have a new model that expands its truck offering.
Using the base of the Landtrek, which delayed its arrival in the Argentine market, Fiat made some adjustments to the suspension to present its truck on Brazilian soil.
Medium pickup trucks are an important segment in the region. In Brazil it represents approximately 18% of the market, while in Argentina it can reach 25%.
Future of national production?
The Fiat Titano is assembled in Uruguay, at the Nordex complex, where the imported parts arrive to be assembled. But the question surrounding this project is whether the vehicle will end up being located in the region. That is, if it is going to be manufactured in Mercosur.
The strongest rumor is that It will be manufactured in Córdoba, at the Fiat plant, in Ferreyra. These versions come from both automotive industry suppliers and unions in the Mediterranean province and from the Brazilian press.
The possibility that this model is manufactured in Argentina is logical because the ecosystem that exists in the country to produce this type of vehicle. Currently, the Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger, the Volkswagen Amarok, the Nissan Frontier and the Renault Alaskan are manufactured, the latter two, in Córdoba.
The scale that a production plant can have in comparison to the company that assembles in Uruguay also raises doubts. In Brazil alone, Fiat, the best-selling brand there, has more than 500 dealerships. Therefore, a regular commercial performance would require a high number of units.
On the other hand, what is also not confirmed is if the Titano is actually going to be sold in Argentina or if that presence in the Stellantis Group’s midsize pickup segment will be in charge of the Peugeot Landtrek. Anyways, The chances that this pickup is of national production are high.
What does the Fiat Titano bring?
The Titano will be offered in Brazil only with double cab body. The new vehicle measures 5,330 mm long, 1,963 mm wide, 1,897 mm high (with roof bars) and 3,180 mm between axles.
It weighs 2,150 kilos and has one of the largest load capacities, with 1,020 and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilos. In addition, it has the largest cargo box in the segment (1,630 mm x 1,600 mm).
It comes equipped with a turbodiesel engine (of Peugeot origin) 2.2 liters, with 180 horsepower and up to 400 Nm of torque. It can come with an automatic or manual transmission, both with 6 speeds. All are also 4×4, with a plug-in system with transfer case and rear differential lock.
There will be three equipment levels. The entry of the range is the Endurance, which comes with black bumpers, mirror housings and door handles. The steel wheels also come in that color.
The equipment includes cruise control, speed limiter, hill descent assist, air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel and front armrest, among others.
The version Volcano Adds bumpers, mirrors and door handles in body color, as well as alloy wheels. It also adds a 10″ touch multimedia center, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a camera that shows the right side of the vehicle (ideal for off-road), imitation leather upholstery and rear parking sensors with camera.
The top of the range option is the Ranchwhich adds chrome elements to the exterior, side steps and alloy wheels with a specific design.
It also adds two-zone automatic climate control, lane change alert, 360° camera, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, tire pressure monitoring, and rain and twilight sensors, among others.
In Brazil, the Fiat Titano has a price ranging from 219,990 (approximately $44,000) to 259,990 reais (US$52,000). While the range of the Toyota Hilux there sells from 242,590 (US$ 48,500) to 334,890 (US$ 67,000) and the Ford Ranger goes from 234,990 (US$ 47,000) to 349,990 (US$ 70,000).