Introduction

Flagship Features

Exceeding Expectations

LANCIA YPSILON EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

The Lancia Ypsilon seduced its customers with its quality and elegance, setting new standards in the de luxe compact class. Suffice it to say that more than 70,000 orders have been received throughout Europe since October 2003. And more. In Italy, the new model is the second biggest seller in segment B.

This success was also confirmed during the first two months of 2004, when the Lancia Ypsilon continued to win public acclaim.

It is interesting to note the detailed sales mix of engines and specifications recorded to date.

European customers divide equally between those who choose Ypsilons equipped with the revolutionary 1.3 Multijet power unit (20,511 units) or cars fitted with the reliable 1.2 8 valve unit (26,564 units). These are followed by the 12,813 customers who have ordered Ypsilons with a 1.2 16v engine and the 5,523 who opted for the vivacious 1.4 16 valve unit.

As far as the sales mix by version was concerned, top-of-the-range versions swept the board (96%): the Argento and Platino, with a clear preference for the former, that accounted for nearly 80%. Customers tend to choose the more opulent and alluring versions and this is borne out by the success of the Glamour pack (alloy wheels, special fabrics matching body colour and metallic paintwork) that attracted 25% of the customers. Similarly, the colour Ivory proved to be particularly attractive to customers, representing 25% of sales.

In a word, the Lancia Ypsilon is much more than a promise and this is borne out by the three prestigious accolades received in recent months: 'L'Auto che preferisco 2004' in the 'small car' category awarded by the magazine Quattroruote; the European Automotive Design Award, conferred by a jury of 200 students and professional automotive designers representing 30 countries - and last but not least 'L'Automobile più bella del mondo' in the 'small car' category elected by a jury of design experts.

Sales success and critical acclaim then: these results were already gratifying enough. Yet Lancia continues to add new features to its model - hence the new 'Dolce Far Niente transmission' - and these new features are complemented by original campaigns and exclusive events to keep the car in the public eye. But then, "vitality' is the secret that has turned positive, immediate acclaim into lasting success.