03.09.2003 FIAT BREAK THROUGH THE 30% MARKET SHARE BARRIER AS RUMOURS PERSIST THAT MARTIN LEACH HAS BEEN OFFERED TOP JOB
Fiat's August share of the Italian car market rose above 30% as rumours abound in the Italian press that the auto division's CEO post has been offered to Martin Leach. It is reported that Fiat have offered the job to Leach with the ex-Ford Europe boss now talking to his former employers in an effort to escape a clause that prevents him from taking up a competing job within six months.
Meanwhile Fiat broke through the 30% market share barrier in their home market last month, their best showing since the beginning of this year. The 30.28%, up from 28.7% in July, was tempered by an overall 10% market drop, reflecting the traditionally slowest month of the year. Generally though market analysts were pleased with the performance, especially with several key models about to come on stream. Fiat have already received orders for 140,000 facelifted Puntos, with a target of 200,000 by the year end in sight, while the new Fiat Panda and Idea as well as the Lancia Ypsilon are all expected to hit sales targets.
