The Spanish market provided Fiat with good results last year, turning a loss of 1.5 million euros in 2001 to a profit of 1.5 million euros in 2002. This result Fiat point to as evidence of a significant change in fortunes. 

One part of this sales success is the introduction to the Spanish market of the Stilo, poorly received in most markets, but, especially in JTD form, accepted in Spain. Last year, the Fiat Stilo 1.9 JTD Dynamic achieved sales of 5,729, top position in this compact diesel vehicle segment with a 10% share of this particular market band. 

This record contributed to the gains recorded by Fiat in this segment: sales in 2002 amounted to 16,383 compared to 12,521 units in 2001. This 23% increase allowed the brand to increase its market share of segment C from 2.4% to 3.5% during the same period. The aim for 2003 is to achieve 24,500 units (including 2500 units of the new Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon) and thus a 33% increase compared to 2002 (the market share would rise to 5.1%).

An outstanding results and excellent prospects for a brand that is known throughout the world for its innovative and original products. This strong image is borne out by the fact that the 'intention to buy' index is rising steadily in Spain: in 2002, the index increased by 20% compared to 2001.

THE FIAT STAND IN BARCELONA

The Fiat stand in Barcelona is packed with new products in a fresh and youthful setting in a range of different colours and materials. The message is reinforced by a backdrop that features a large led screen projecting film clips that highlight the youthful, eager image of the new models.

First up is the Fiat Idea, an original car that represents a new motoring experience because it combines two very different automotive concepts: the handling and size of a mini but the modularity and versatility of an MPV. 

The Fiat Idea is accompanied by the Fiat Gingo, a multipurpose mini with a surprising amount of interior space. The design features well-proportioned and dynamic lines that are nevertheless elegant. A style designed to met all the needs of present-day customers who seek maximum practicality combined with comfort and pleasing good looks.

The spotlights will also be on small concept cars with their original, fresh and dynamic styling. The Marrakech and Simba are both built on a Fiat Gingo base. The Simba is the first European example of a small off-roader that is just as at home beating a path through the African savannah as it is driving through the asphalt jungle. The second prototype is the Fiat Marrakech, an engaging open-topped companion for holidays and relaxing quests for fun and entertainment.

Each of the four models is displayed on its own platform and taken together they reveal the new design directions of the Fiat Style Centre. A large area is also devoted to a Fiat design studio where visitors can see the various stages of the design process as they unfold. 

Current production models are on show on one side of the stand. These include three new products: a special XBOX series of the Fiat Stilo available only in Spain, a revised Fiat Barchetta, the model that represents the most effective blend between Italy's great sports tradition and the future, and lastly a Fiat Stilo Abarth with its 170 bhp 2.4 20v power unit with manual 5-speed gearbox (an alternative to the same version so far equipped with a Selespeed gearbox) and a highly distinctive kit. 
And more. The area set aside for the Fiat Stilo and its Multi Wagon version features a fresh, dynamic setting in the Stilo's own inimitable spirit. The spotlights will highlight a Multi Wagon and a saloon, both equipped with a 115 bhp 1.9 JTD engine in the Dynamic specification. 

And so from the Stilo to the Fiat Ulysse. This vehicle is dedicated to customers who want a comfortable, roomy, versatile MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with plenty of seats that offers great practicality. The version on show is a Ulysse 2.0 JTD 16v with automatic transmission in the Emotion specification. Visitors to the Spanish motor show will be able to admire a 115 bhp Multipla Dynamic 1.9 JTD, a Seicento 1.1 Sporting and two Puntos in 5-door 1.9 JTD and Sporting 1.2 16v versions. 

Attention is also reserved for the Autonomy Programme, the Fiat Group project that has been providing cars for people with reduced motor capabilities since 1995. One of the exhibits in Barcelona is a Eurotaxi version of the Ulysse for the public transport of people with and without disabilities. The conversion has involved lowering the floorpan so that disabled people in wheelchairs can enter using a ramp. In Spain, this type of vehicle attracts subsidies from the Labour Ministry, the ONCE Foundation and, in this case, from the Madrid Town Council - which made available no fewer than 100 Eurotaxi licenses in 2003 alone. The Autonomy Programme area also houses the Punto Abarth Rally driven by the paraplegic driver Alberto Llovera who took part in the National Rally Championship, Super 1600 Class - Group A for non-disabled drivers. The driver will even be present at the Fiat stand as living proof of how determination, individual skill and advanced technology can overcome all odds. 

The third vehicle displayed in this area is a high-top Fiat Dobló Panorama. This vehicle has been designed and created for the transport of disabled people. The ingenious idea behind the car allows access through the tailgate up a ramp that drops down electrically. A disabled person can enter the car still sitting in his or her wheelchair because the load compartment height has been specially raised.

The new 1.3 Multijet 16v engine designed for Fiat and Lancia compact cars is on view inside a glass case. This second generation Common Rail engine features sophisticated engineering packed into a one-piece unit that measures less than 50 cm in length and 65 cm in height. These dimensions make it the smallest Common Rail four-cylinder diesel engine in the world and the only power unit that can pack no fewer than six normal-sized components into a cylinder with a diameter of less than 70 mm, namely four valves, an injector and a glow plug.

The 1.3 Multijet 16v is environmentally friendly because it already meets Euro 4 emission limits not due to come into force until 2006. It is also one of the very few cars in the world that has been able to achieve this result without the need for a sophisticated exhaust post-treatment device such as a particulate trap. All in all, an intrinsically clean car: the particulate emission level (responsible for dust and fine dust), for example, is even lower than that established by the forthcoming Euro 4 standard.

The stand also offers multimedia opportunities: Internet stations allow you to visit the buy@fiat and fiat.com, XBOX consoles are also on show next to the Stilo special version, and a Scalextric track besides the Fiat Punto Rally. 

> FIAT MARRAKESH & SIMBA CONCEPTS TO REAPPEAR IN BARCELONA