Source: Fiat Australia

Fiat Returns On 1 July 2006!
Fiat has announced that it will return to Australian car showrooms on Saturday 1 July 2006 with the all-new Fiat Punto heralding a range of new cars from the renowned Italian car maker.

	Click here to see a video of the new Punto
	Click here to download a copy of the Fiat Punto specs in PDF format.
	Click here to download a copy of the Fiat Punto brochure in PDF format.

"Fiat is one of the world's most influential car makers and the Fiat Group is one of the world's major companies, so its return to the Australian car market is a significant event," explains David Stone, the General Manager for Fiat cars in Australia. "Fiat's reputation has been built on a host of classic small cars, such as the Topolino and the Fiat 500, so it is highly appropriate that it should return to this market with its latest small car, the Fiat Punto."

"As with its predecessors, the Punto proves that small cars can be stylish, technically advanced, fully equipped and offer a great driving experience. In coming months, it will be joined by more Fiat models which we are certain will be as successful as Fiat's commercial vehicle range has been since its Australian launch. Fiat will provide Australian car buyers with a new choice of stylish, value for money cars," says Mr Stone.

Following its launch in Europe last year, the Punto has proven to be an outstanding success for Fiat Auto. It has driven straight to the top of the sales charts, doubled Fiat sales in markets such as the UK and made Fiat the fastest growing major marque in Europe this year. The Fiat Punto will arrive in Australia with a choice of three or five doors, four different engines including some of the most advanced diesel engines in the market and an equipment level and price combination that will place it at the top of the value for money league. The Fiat range will be sold initially from the Alfa Romeo dealer group, but, as sales grow, Fiat-specific dealers will be appointed across Australia.

Fiat is being imported into Australia by Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, the largest Australian independent car importer. Ateco imports Alfa Romeo, Fiat Commercial Vehicles, Ferrari and Maserati into Australia and New Zealand, as well as Citroen in Australia. Based in Sydney, it was also responsible for making Kia the fastest growing car make in Australia during its tenure with Ateco. Ateco brought Alfa Romeo back to Australia in 1998 and launch the Fiat CV range here in 2000.

"There could not be a better time to bring Fiat to Australia," says Mr Stone. "As fuel prices rise, the market is increasingly looking for smaller, more efficient and economical cars that are still stylish and fully equipped. The Fiat Punto simply ticks all these boxes and we are in no doubt that it will be a great success in Australia."

Full details of the Fiat Punto range will be announced when it goes on sale in Australia on 1 July 2006.