07.10.2003  FIAT'S SHARE OF ITS DOMESTIC MARKET TUMBLES IN SEPTEMBER TO NEAR HISTORIC LOWS

Fiat's share of its vital domestic market dropped again in September, undoing the good work of August, ending the month at near historic lows. The car maker, grabbed 27.15% in a market which accounts for nearly 40% of all its sales, down from August's 30.28% and only fractionally above June's historic low of 26.96%.

Although market analysts were disappointed, Fiat put it down to starting the month with an ageing line-up, its new Panda and Lancia Ypsilon models only went on sale well into the month and sales of these two vital small cars should kick in properly during this month.

European wide dealer orders stand at 60,000 for the Panda and 25,000 for the Ypsilon, in line with the company's targets. Another important new Fiat, the Idea mini-mpv, also goes on sale shortly.