Australian car buyers will be able to walk into a showroom on Saturday (1 July 2006) for the first time in nearly two decades and buy a Fiat car, with the launch of the new Fiat Punto signalling the return of one of Italy’s most famous car brands to the local market. Nearly twenty new Fiat car dealers, from Tasmania to Townsville, Sydney to Perth, will fling open their doors on Saturday for the first time, with the Punto being the debut model in what will grow to be a range of cars that aim to bring something new and exciting to the Australia market.

“The return of Fiat to Australia has been a long time in coming and we have put a lot of work into making sure that everything is right for Fiat in Australia,” says David Stone, General Manager for Fiat Cars in Australia. “We wanted to make sure that we had exactly the right car, at the right price and with the right equipment. With Punto, we have ticked all the boxes! For a start it looks wonderful and, as it is designed by the world’s leading car designer, that beauty is far more than skin deep. It has a depth of technology, engineering and safety that makes it a benchmark, from its unique range of advanced diesel engines to its five star Euro-NCAP safety rating. We have then backed this up with a full equipment list, with items such as ABS brakes, AirCon, electric windows, twin mode power steering, trip computer and cruise control standard right across the range. To complete the package, we have excellent pricing starting at AUS$19,990 for the five door Punto 1.4.”

During the next eighteen months the Italian car maker plans to add a full range of brand new models to its Australian line-up. Initially they will be sold through the dealers that are already handling Alfa Romeo cars, but as sales build Fiat plans to start appointing Fiat-specific dealers.
 

Fiat commercial vehicles, which have built an enviable reputation in Australia for durability and reliability, will continue to be handled through their own specialist dealer group that focuses closely on the specific demands of the van user.

For the Australian importer, Ateco Automotive, the launch of Fiat cars represents the third phase of its launch programme for products from the Fiat Group, with Sydney-based importer launching Alfa Romeo into the Australian car market in 1998 and Fiat commercial vehicles in 2000. The company is also the importer for Ferrari and Maserati and, in addition, runs the New Zealand distribution for all these brands, providing it with a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure the success of Fiat in Australia.

“After all our preparation and planning, now is the time for everyone to judge for themselves just how good the Punto is, with the first cars in showrooms across Australia on Saturday,” says Mr Stone. “Anyone who is in the market for a small car must add the Punto to their shopping list and everyone who loves cars will want to see the Punto, the latest car from a company that boasts a unique reputation for passionate, exciting and beautiful cars!”