Fiat motoring ahead of rivals

Italian car manufacturer Fiat has released competitive growth plans that can surely be unrivalled by its European counterparts.

Fiat Group Automobiles is comprised of Italian brands Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia. The group also owns a stake in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep due to its recent partnership agreement with the US firms.

The Fiat brand, currently most famed for its retro 500 model, is set to draw up designs for 34 new models across its ranges according to Auto Express.

Plans include a new £50,000 Maserati to beat off German competition from the likes of the BMW M5, a brand new Ferrari and reportedly, a revamped Alfa Romeo 159.

In another astounding move to enthrall car buyers, the Fiat Group is to base additional models on the ever popular 500, including more practical estate and hatchback versions.

If the 500 is anything to go by, then these new variants could worry German car makers such as BMW, whose MINI Clubman could be overtaken by the quirky and individually styled Giardiniera estate. 

Such rapid expansion plans have come in the wake of the Fiat Chrysler partnership scheme, which has given Fiat a 35 per cent stake in the US firm, as well as strengthening both companies supply and distribution networks.

In addition to the 500 models and sportscars, Fiat is set to launch an Uno city car, a new Panda and Punto Evo, widening its supermini remit further and providing increased choice for international new and used car buyers.

Timescales on the new models vary between next year and 2014, so motoring commentators won't be kept in suspense for too long.

 

 

 

Karen Smith, Stoke on Trent, Seat Ibiza

Stephanie & Kevin Laidlaw, Liverpool, Saab 9-3 Aero