Chrysler 2008 Annual Report Download - page 73

Report on Operations Fiat Group Automobiles72
Innovation and Products
Despite challenging market conditions, 2008 saw the launch of
several key additions to the product range, particularly for
Lancia and Alfa Romeo, and several of Fiat Group Automobiles’
models received major international awards.
The Fiat brand’s 500 continued to garner important
international recognition and has so far received a total of 33
awards. The vehicle was presented at several major
international launch events, including events in London and
Tokyo in February. At Milan Fashion Week in September, the
special edition “500 by Diesel” was presented, bringing
together the new icon of “Made in Italy” and the popular
fashion label.
In mid-September, the Fiat Qubo was launched. This innovative
vehicle sports a practical “free space” design, epitomized by
the slogan “Status Simple”.
In October, the Grande Punto Natural Power was launched. This
dual-powered (gasoline and natural gas) vehicle offers low
emissions and running costs. Together with the contribution of
the natural gas version, in November the Grande Punto
reached the milestone of one million units produced.
In early October, the Pur-O2®label was debuted at the Paris
Motor Show. A testament to the brand’s commitment to cost
efficiency and respect for the environment, the label is to be
used for low environmental impact vehicles (a 500, a Croma and
a Bravo were on display) equipped with systems specifically
designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Also at the
Paris show, the public was introduced to Eco Drive, a
sophisticated system developed in conjunction with Microsoft
which promotes environmentally-friendly driving. Currently
available on the 500 and Grande Punto, in 2009 the system will
be available on all Fiat models equipped with Blue&Me.
Fiat’s product range was further enhanced with the 2008 model
year versions of several existing models and sale of the new
4x2 version of the Fiat Sedici SUV also began during the year.
Abarth released a 500 with the Scorpion badge, as well as the
“esseesse” tuning kit and the limited production Assetto Corse,
to be sold to drivers “competition ready” for the upcoming
single-make trophy.
In June, Alfa Romeo presented the MiTo, Alfa’s debut in the
compact segment, which expresses the sportiness and style
embodied in the limited-edition 8C. The MiTo’s strong
personality and cutting-edge technology are targeted at making
the brand even more accessible to young customers. The more
than 23,000 orders received between commercial launch in
September and year-end provide a clear indication of the
model’s success. The MiTo received the prestigious Euro NCAP
five stars, the highest international award for safety, as well as
being named ‘Auto Europa 2009’ by UIGA (the Italian
association of automotive journalists).
2008 also saw the presentation of the Alfa 8C Spider at the
Geneva Motor Show. Only 500 of these cars will be produced.
At the Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo presented the Alfa Brera
TI (the historic insignia standing for
Turismo Internazionale ), a
thoroughbred sports car for everyday street driving.
In June 2008, following the preview at the Geneva Motor Show
in March, Lancia launched the new Delta, the return of an
historic name and also Lancia’s return to the mid-size sedan
segment. The Delta, which sits between the C and D segments,
follows the prestigious tradition of Lancia sedans, offering
original technology and style. Lancia Delta was also awarded
the prestigious Euro NCAP five stars for safety and came in
second place, behind the Alfa MiTo, for the Auto Europa 2009
award. The 21,000+ orders received in approximately six
months provide confirmation of this vehicle’s success.
Lancia also upgraded other models in its range, presenting the
new 170 hp automatic Phedra at the Brussels Motor Show in
January. Finally, at the Paris Motor Show, Lancia presented an
Ypsilon show car created in collaboration with the Versace
group. The limited edition Ypsilon Versus will be available in
2009 and only 1,000 vehicles will be sold.