10 December 2013

Fiat to drop Punto — report

Fiat is to drop its Punto model in favour of a 5-door hatch version of the 500, according to a report in the key journal Automotive News Europe, writes Brian Byrne.

Quoting unnamed sources close to the company, ANE says the new 5-door will be built in Poland, while Fiat concentrates on building more high-profit models in its home country, including 500 and Jeep brand SUVs, and Alfa Romeos.

Fiat has suffered serious losses in recent years and its European market share has dropped by a third since 2009, to just over 6 percent.

The company has previously said it intends to concentrate on 500 and Panda models development.