New fleet manager driving success for Fiat Professional
Gowan Auto recently appointed Victoria Goodfellow to the role of fleet, lease and LCV sales channel manager for the Fiat Professional, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Honda brands in Ireland.
Goodfellow joined Gowan Auto last autumn following more than eight years with Cafco Vehicle Solutions, where she latterly served as head of sales, working with fleet companies and importers alike to develop new business for its van fit-out service. Prior to that she spent a number of years with motor factor group Team PR Reilly, before its acquisition by Euro Car Parts.
In her new role at Gowan Auto, Goodfellow is working with its dealer network to continue the development of the Fiat Professional light commercial vehicle business. She is also working with Gowan Auto’s fleet, lease and rental customers to maximise opportunities for its growing range of LCVs and passenger cars.
Ms Goodfellow recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak to the Auto Trade Journal, to discuss how Fiat Professional is helping drive success for fleets and businesses across the country:
Q: The Irish market has a high demand for refrigerated units and specific conversions. Utilising your previous experience with Cafco, what is Fiat Professional’s strategy for partnering with local Irish bodybuilders to provide ready-to-work solutions?
VG: Since starting this role, I have focussed on developing and strengthening these relationships and we have made strong progress. Following meeting with various fridge importers and body builders, we now have a range of sample units built for our dealer network to promote in their local area. We have some new offerings on heavy-duty chassis cabs and will be attending some shows throughout the year with sample units. I am delighted to say that, for the first time, we now have a range of sizes in stock to meet demand for the remainder of 2026.
Q: How does the Fiat Professional range standout amongst its Stellantis Pro One counterparts?
VG: The new Fiat Professional range has had a face-lift which gives the models a fresh contemporary look. The Doblo comes as standard with a camera and is available with a twin door in the long-wheel base (LWB). The new Scudo 2.2-litre, 180bhp is available in both manual and automatic, and is designed for drivers who seek some luxury without the heavy price tag. There are also some great options for an Irish market that is now looking for an immediate solution with the Scattolini tippers and dropsides, available from the factory in varying sizes.
For those eyeing the Ducato, we have the new heavy-duty 180bhp version also available on the chassis cabs. With the rules and regulations on payloads becoming so important, as well as twin wheel availability now becoming a thing of the past, heavy duty suspension and heavy duty braking systems is a must for conversions. The larger 16-inch wheels finish off the details.
Q: We have seen Jeep Ireland bring its Avenger electric to market as a Car Derived Van (CDV), offering a smart and affordable urban delivery solution. Could we soon see a CDV version of the new Fiat Grande Panda?
VG: We have plans to supply a CDV version of the new Fiat Grande Panda should there be demand, but we need to consider that it is an already competitively priced compact car.
Q: How is Fiat Professional managing immediate delivery stock versus custom fleet orders to ensure Irish businesses are not left waiting?
VG: The Fiat Professional factory in Italy is in full swing, and at Gowan Auto we are managing that based on our growing business. We are working closely with transport companies due to shipping disruptions alongside the recent challenges surrounding fuel uncertainty. It is a challenge, but we seem to be moving back to the previous timeframes we are used to. We must manage our customers’ expectations as best we can.