|
Fiat Automóveis,
during the year that it celebrated its 30th anniversary
of building cars in Brazil, was once again the market
leader in sales. Fiat in fact sold 465,562 cars and
light-commercial vehicles in Brazil last year which
corresponds to an unbeaten 25.4 percent of the total
number of vehicles which were commercialised in the
South American country.“
An understanding of the market
has allowed us to develop the best products
which are desired by the customers; the factors that have
contributed to our leadership”, commented the President of
Fiat in Brazil, Cledorvino Belini. Not only did
Fiat Automóveis top the Brazilian new registrations
lists, but the Italian carmaker was 55,000 units clear
of its biggest local rival, General Motors. The
performance was also 15 percent up on 2005 when Fiat
sold 404,803 cars and light commercial vehicles in
Brazil.
Last year saw Fiat's best sales performance in Brazil
this decade, cementing a turnaround in the brand's South
American fortunes. As well as being the thirtieth
anniversary of Fiat's close involvement in Brazil, the
South American subsidiary oversaw a widening the
carmaker's responsibilities in the region, including
re-entering the Mexican market, while also taking
control of the destiny of Fiat Auto South Africa.
|
 |
|
Fiat extended the FlexFuel (dual fuel) model range
last year, rolling the option out onto the Mille,
Fiorino Furgão and Uno Furgão. |
|
|
 |
|
The Fiat Idea Adventure, last year joined the Doblò,
Palio Weekend and Strada in receiving the
distinctive "Adventure" special series branding
which includes protective body panels, a raised ride
height and tougher suspension. |
|
|
New models to be introduced in Brazil last year included the
Fiat Idea Adventure, which joined the Doblò, Palio Weekend
and Strada in receiving the distinctive "Adventure" special
series branding, which includes larger protective body
panels, a raised ride height, new alloy wheels, and a
tougher suspension set-up. The latter model, was the
Brazilian market's best-selling pick-up, and it also
received a facelift. Other Brazilian market successes
included the Palio 1.8 R, a sporty but low-cost version of
the hatchback which was targeted at younger buyers. Fiat
also extended the FlexFuel (dual fuel) model range, rolling
the option out onto the Mille, Fiorino Furgão and Uno
Furgão, while the new TetraFuel technology was introduced.
Fiat Automóveis also demonstrated that it clearly wished to
punch above its weight, revealing during the year the
zero-emission Palio Elétrico prototype as well as the FCC
Adventure "off road coupé" showcar.
by Claudio Perlini
|
|
|
|
