Thanks to strong demand for the Fiat 500 (top), Australia's most economical car, and a supporting role from the Ritmo (bottom), and against the overall market trend which saw a 18.2 percent contraction in sales, Fiat car sales in Australia rocketed by 196.2 percent in January.

In these troubled economic times, with the Australian car industry struggling to cope with a massive 18.5 per cent decline in sales, what the car buyers want is car that its fun, cheerful and the most economical car available on the market, namely, the Fiat 500 and its this fact that explains why against all market trends, Fiat car sales in Australia rocketed by 196.2 per cent in January according to VFACTS figures released today (4 February 2009).

“When it comes to a car being recession-proof, forget the million dollar supercars,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “The Fiat 500 has what it takes to succeed in a market that is being hit by an economic downturn. On one hand, it’s a car that brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees it, regardless of their economic gloom, and driving it brings even more pleasure from its chic interior and its exuberant character. When it comes to owning a Fiat 500, it’s a pain-free experience. For a start the Fiat 500 JTD uses less fuel than any other car available on the market right now and with prices starting at A$22,990 for the 500’s unique blend of fun, chic style and economical motoring it’s easy to see why Fiat dealers are enjoying an almost unique experience – a queue of people at the showroom door!”

The new Fiat 500 is a reincarnation of the classic Fiat 500 Bambino and, like its famous predecessor, the new 500 has generated unprecedented demand since its launch and despite Fiat expanding production twice to try and meet demand, it’s still a sell-out. Following its launch the Fiat 500 has collected a trophy cabinet full of awards, lead by the 2008 European Car of the Year and, most recently this week, the ‘BusinessCar’ City Car of the Year, all of which demonstrate that the Fiat 500 is much more than a pretty face, with a real depth of ability to match its cherubic good looks.

Nor does Fiat’s success only come in small packages. Playing a very strong supporting role in Fiat’s marketing-beating January sales performance is the Fiat Ritmo [Bravo], the Italian car maker’s mid-size hatch that has all the flair and pizzazz of Fiat 500, but with additional space, two extra doors and, thanks to the choice of a highly economical diesels and efficient, light weight turbo charged petrol engines, excellent levels of fuel economy. With the remarkable economy of the Fiat Ritmo Dynamic JTD available A$24,990 Driveaway, the Ritmo’s combination of value and exhilaration makes the Ritmo another Fiat recession-buster.