Fiat Auto's share of Italian new car registrations were virtually unchanged last month, a very slightly dip taking them to 27.5 percent, as opposed to 28.2 percent in November 2003. Overall the new car market rose by 0.92 percent year-on-year, with 171,700 cars being sold.

Fiat's numbers were impacted by the auto division's continuing focus on the pursuit of retails sales over fleet sales, the latter which are generally unprofitable but which help manufacturers to produce stronger looking sales data. Fiat sold 32,470 new cars, down 5.96 percent, but strong input from their Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands helped to balance the figures out.

Overall for the year, Fiat's Italian market share continues to remain up year-on-year, now standing at 28.13 percent for the first eleven months, up from 27.94 percent for the equivalent period of 2003.

The Fiat Punto remains the market's popular choice, while the Fiat Doblo, Idea, Ulysse, Multipla and Lancia Phedra, all continue to lead their niche segments.

Strong initial orders for the new 'off-road' capable Fiat Panda 4x4 are now providing a boost to Fiat's recovery plans. Since the car was recently unveiled, more than 6,000 orders have been taken, and deliveries are now getting underway. Fiat hope that this new model will recreate the sales success of the original Panda 4x4, a car that captured the hearts and became a real icon of the 1980's. Initial observation suggests that with this exciting new car Fiat will have another 'small' winner on their hands.

Alfa Romeo enjoyed a decent November, selling 6,640 cars. Up 8.8 percent, the 'sporty' brand put firmly behind it the sales slump of October which was attributed to a fall-off in demand for the popular Alfa 147 as the countdown to the introduction of the newly facelifted model got underway.

At the Bologna Motor Show yesterday Alberto Marghieri, the director with responsibility for Italian sales of the brand, announced that more than 3,000 orders have already been received for the new Alfa 147, which sees cosmetic improvements being made at both the front and rear, as well as a mechanical upgrade which most notably includes a revised suspension setup.

At the same time as the new Alfa 147 comes on stream, so has the Alfa 156-based four wheel drive Crosswagon. Slightly later than had been expected, this new model which was premiered earlier this year at the Geneva Salon, has already ratcheted up more that 1,000 orders.

These two new models are expected to give the Alfa Romeo brand a welcome sales fillip over the next few months as Fiat's 'sporty' brand builds up to the introduction of the Alfa 156 saloon's important replacement during next spring.
 

The Lancia brand continued on its steady path to recovery, shifting 8,070 cars. The strength and resilience of Fiat's 'luxury' arm has surprised many, and with the new Musa being well received by the market, it will soon join the Ypsilon in providing positive sales data. Lancia, in volume terms, recorded a pleasing 9.3 percent jump.

Diesel sales continue to surge in Italy, and Fiat Auto's acknowledged strength in this area, from the tiny 1.3 Multijet to the powerful 150bhp 1.9 unit, reflected this trend. Three diesel cars made the top ten bestsellers: the Fiat Punto and Stilo, as well as the Alfa 147.

The Italian auto industry body, Promotor, expects to see new Italian car sales shrink by up to 6.6 percent next year, signaling another tough year for Fiat who rely on their domestic market for nearly half of sales.

This forecast for 2005 equates to around 2.1 million new cars, down from an expected 2.25 million that will have been shifted by the end of this year.

Across Europe the trend is likely to be flat also, according to the major carmakers, including GM and Peugeot-Citroen, posing tough questions for all the big manufacturers.

Fiat this year have been buoyed by the introduction of a raft of new or facelifted models which have gripped the market. Next year Fiat's new large estate, codename 'New Large' will come on-stream, while the new Punto, Italy's continuing best selling car, will arrive at the tail end of the year.

Alfa Romeo will introduce the eagerly awaited replacement for the Alfa 156 next March in Geneva, with deliveries starting in the summer. Much anticipated, and highly rated by project insiders, this exciting new saloon is expected to provide a real boost to Alfa Romeo.

In the short term Fiat are once again looking towards temporary factory closures, and are planning to give almost 6,000 workers at the giant Mirafiori plant two weeks off over Christmas, as they continue to battle against overproduction.

Meanwhile, earlier this afternoon Fiat Group  President, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, speaking at a meeting of the Frosinone Industrial Union, confirmed his "complete and determined commitment to carry through with plans for the company, both inside and outside the company".