At the start of May 2019, a report out of the United Kingdom suggested Fiat was preparing to pull the plug on its Fullback. But the Italian brand’s local arm has now confirmed to CARmag.co.za it will continue selling the bakkie in South Africa.

That earlier report quoted Richard Chamberlain, the head of Fiat Professional in the UK, as saying “low sales volumes and the forthcoming Euro 6 diesel emissions legislation” meant it was “no longer viable” to offer the Fullback.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles South Africa, however, said it had no plans to discontinue the Fullback locally.

“We are unaware of the UK situation but, not being affected by Euro 6, can confirm that we are continuing with all derivatives and all three engines,” the firm’s local arm told us.

In South Africa, the Fullback range currently comprises three double-cab derivatives and four single-cab variants, with the powertrain line-up including a 2,4-litre petrol engine as well as 2,4- and 2,5-litre turbodiesel mills.

The Fullback is, of course, based on the Mitsubishi Triton, which recently benefited from a comprehensive facelift. In the first three months of 2019, Fiat sold just 39 units of its Fullback in SA, while Mitsubishi registered 102 units of its Triton.

FCA South Africa furthermore told us its Fullback sales “were restricted in Q1 due to a stock shortage”, but added that “this has since been resolved, with all models now in stock”.

Original article from Car