18.01.2004 NEW MODELS THE KEY TO FIAT'S AIM TO INCREASE THEIR BELGIAN MARKET SHARE THIS YEAR

In Brussels, Fiat have presented twenty four models, a mix of cars, people carriers and racers on a large stand, emphasising the importance of Belgium to the Italian carmaker's future plans.

Fiat are targeting a sharp market share increase this year, aiming to improve on the 12,105 new cars registered during 2003, a total that gave them just 2.64% of the market. With the recent introduction of new models including the Panda, Idea and Stilo MY2004, they hope to arrest a decline that saw their market share contract from 3.04% in 2002, when they shifted 14,222 new cars. In real terms registrations dropped a steep 14.89% year-on-year.

The huge increase in the popularity of diesels locally is expected to translate into strong demand for the highly economical and punchy 70bhp Multijet 16v. This new compact diesel is now available here in the Punto, Panda and Idea. The overall market for saloons in Belgium contracted a further 4% last year, down to 61%, with multi-purpose cars, including estates, light vans, 4x4s & 'combis' continuing to make ground. This, Fiat are confident, should translate into sales for the new Panda, which is being rolled out in a variety of niche applications, as well as the compact Punto-based, Idea mpv.

On the stand, attention is closely focused on the Panda and Idea. Five Panda are displayed here. Four, one 1.1 8v in 'Active' trim, two 1.2 8v's in 'Dynamic' and a 1.3 Multijet 'Emotion' are positioned behind an angled 4x4 Multijet in a dedicated area. Flanking the Pandas, is a section reserved for the Idea, with three Multijets being joined by a 1.4 16v version offered in 'Dynamic' trim.

Four Stilo's, a black 3-door 1.9 Multijet 16v Abarth, a gunmetal 3-door 1.9 JTD 'Sergio Tacchini' edition, a blue 5-door 1.9 JTD 8v and a silver 1.9 JTD 8v 'Active' Multiwagon, feature the mild cosmetic revisions first seen last month at Bologna.

Next up, a metallic grey Punto and metallic blue 1.3 Multijet 'Dynamic', are joined by two limited-edition models, a 1.2 8v 'Junior' and a blue 1.3 Multijet 'Sergio Tacchini'. The Punto, Fiat's best selling model in Belgium last year, sold 6,109 units, taking 1.3% of the market, helped by a late year surge in demand for the all-new 16v 1.3 Multijet.

In the area reserved for 'people luggers', the facelifted Scudo, has received its world premiere. A new larger grille and headlights, bigger bumpers, and large side protective rubbing strips, aim to give this 'combi' van a freshened up look and inject life into sales. The single blue 2.0 JTD model is joined by a silver 1.9 JTD Doblo Malibu, a 2.0 JTD Ulysse in 'Dynamic' trim and a Multipla, making one of its last show outings before a restyled new model sees its controversial looks toned down.

Fiat's sporting heritage is represented by the 'Junior Team' Punto Abarth Rally which stormed to victory in last year's Belgian Rally Championship Super 1600 category. Lastly, Michael Schumacher's F1 World Championship winning Ferrari F2003-GA which takes pride of place, reminds visitors that the Ferrari sportscar brand is a part of the Fiat Group's wide range of activities.