Croatian Court Upholds Switch to Fiat Ambulances

The High Administrative Court of Croatia rejected a lawsuit filed by Cib commerce over the Bjelovar‑Bilogora County Emergency Medical Service’s vehicle purchase. The service had originally ordered Renault Master vans, but Fiat Ducato vans were delivered.

The court found that the contract price, delivery schedule and warranty terms remained unchanged and that the Fiat vehicles satisfy all technical specifications set out in the tender. Therefore, the change of brand does not constitute a substantive alteration of the contract. The State Commission for Control of Public Procurement (DKOM) had previously dismissed the same complaint.

The dispute originated when the supplier Remedylink argued that Renault Masters were no longer available and proposed Fiat Ducato as a substitute. Cib commerce contended that the substitution altered essential contract elements, including manufacturer and service distance. The court’s ruling permits the procurement to continue with the Fiat vehicles.