Chrysler 2004 Annual Report Download - page 64

the new Strada light commercial vehicle were extremely well
received by customers.
In Argentina: The Argentinian economy is continuing to recover
from the deep crisis of 2002. The market ended the year with
demand doubled compared with 2003. Fiat took advantage of
this favorable environment to increase its market share to 10.7%,
or 0.3 percentage points greater than in 2003.
In Turkey: The salient event of 2004 was the campaign to
encourage the demolition of old cars, which, coupled with
easier access to credit between January and May, caused
demand to explode. Because imports account for about 75%
of the country, the government enacted in June measures
canceling all incentives. Overall market demand for automobiles
and light commercial vehicles totaled about 700,000 units in
2004 (+91% compared with 2003). The success of the Doblò
model (101,000 units were
produced in 2004,
including about
70,000 units for sale abroad) enabled Tofas to retain its
preeminent position among Turkish carmakers.
PRODUCT INNOVATION
In 2004, Fiat Auto continued to pursue a strategy focused on
upgrading its model lineup and increasing its competitiveness
in anticipation of 2005, when the Sector will launch several
brand-new models in market segments that are important for
the profitability of its brands. The most important new launches
will be those of the New Fiat Punto, the New Fiat Croma, the
Alfa Romeo 159 and the Alfa Romeo Brera.
During the last quarter of 2004, the Lancia Musa was presented
to customers in Italy, with its commercial launch in the other
European markets scheduled for early 2005. The Lancia Musa,
a sophisticated and elegant car, marks another step forward
in Fiat Auto’s commitment to the environment. The available
fuel-efficient, low emission engines comply with the Euro 4
emissions limits.
The Fiat Panda family of cars was expanded with the
introduction of a Multijet version, which is powered by this
innovative diesel engine, and toward the end of the year by
a gasoline-fueled 4x4 model. A Multijet version of the 4x4
model will follow in 2005.
The Sector also expanded the model lines
of the Fiat Idea (a version with a Dualogic
transmission was added), the Fiat Punto (the
bConnect version with a standard satellite
navigation system has become available)
and the Fiat Stilo (a version with a 100
bhp JTD engine is now being offered).
Between June and October, in addition
to the Lancia Musa mentioned above, Fiat
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