Fiat Auto UK is confidently predicting Stilo sales of 32,000 this year, up 60% on the 1996 peak achieved by the Brava/Bravo models. It goes on sale this month.
Fiat intends to raise £1.85bn from the disposal of non-core operations as it bids to reduce group debt.
Fiat Auto UK has appointed Inchcape to head its entire used vehicle remarketing activities in the UK for the next three years. The internet will be a major part of the new remarketing system.
Fiat has announced a major restructuring plan involving 6,000 job losses, production cutbacks at 18 plants and the departure of Roberto Testore, Fiat Auto chief executive since 1996.
Automotive services group Inchcape plc has announced two new deals, one the acquisition from the management of the remaining 51% stake in Eurofleet Limited and the second an agreement to handle remarketing and fleet management activities for Fiat Auto UK's fleet of used vehicles for the next three years.
Fiat UK managing director Jim Blades believes the new Stilo will establish the manufacturer in the C-sector as Punto has in the B-sector. Stilo reaches UK showrooms in February.
Car Care Plan has signed a deal with Fiat Auto (UK) to administer the third year of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo three-year new car warranty programme.
Fiat has revealed prices of the new Stilo range, offering a simplified pricing structure and high standard specification to attract fleet customers.
Richard Gadeselli has been appointed chief executive of Fiat UK Limited, the company that co-ordinates Fiat Group activities in the UK on behalf of Fiat SpA, the parent holding company headquartered in Turin, Italy.
Take a 130bhp Fiat Punto HGT, add fat front and rear spoilers, side skirts, alloy wheel, aluminium gearknob, gear surround, foot pedals and handbrake, kick-plates and leather steering wheel and what have you got?
Fiat is sticking with a pan-European TV and cinema commercial for the Stilo, filmed in New York shortly before the terrorist attacks. The Manhattan skyline is not featured.
A two year unlimited mileage warranty has been introduced on all Fiat commercial vehicles from September 1.
Fiat UK has set, for 2002, a target of 30,000 registrations of Stilo, its newcomer in the C-sector which is Europe's most fiercely contested. Sales of the outgoing Bravo/Brava are expected to total 20,000 this year.
Fiat Auto (UK) has announced a 25% gross increase in its accessories business year-on-year.
Fiat Auto (UK) has just launched a new website dedicated to commercial vehicles.
Vehicle remarketing specialist GRS has recruited Lee Mabbutt as national accounts manager with responsibility for managing the company's largest retail customers and identify new profit opportunities.
Fiat's Punto roof airbag option is a safety first on volume car.
Fiat Auto has entered a partnership with DHL Worldwide Express and Deutsche Postbank Worldnet,to enhance its spare parts logistics operation.
Reg Vardy plc has set a target of gaining 10% of the UK market share of each of seven manufacturers. They are Ford, Vauxhall, Renault, Nissan, Citroen, Fiat and MG Rover.
Fiat Group has stolen a march on its European rivals by launching a sophisticated but low cost telematics service that will be used in all Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari and Maserati models. It believes no rivals will be able to offer similar services for at least a year.