Fiat is betting on old Uno Mille to maintain leadership

At a moment when buying Power is growing and Brazilian consumers are beginning to look for cars above the market entry level, Fiat Automóveis is launching a new version of the old Uno Mille, which has been on the market here for 25 years. But the new Mille Economy brings a solution for one vital point for a broad parcel of Brazilians and fleet operators: the pocketbook. With modifications in the suspension, tires, exhaust system and motor, the Economy flex 1.0 promises 10% economy in the city and 25% on the highway compared with the previous model. That is the theme with which the automaker hopes to increase by as much as 10% the sales of the hatchback, which currently has 14.5% of the sales in its segment.

Fiat president Cledorvino Belini is no man to lose opportunities. According to studies by the automaker itself, the market for cars costing up to R$27,000 (US$16,564) grew more than 50% in the first half of this year, well ahead of the 28% average growth of the general market during the period. 'The Mille is positioned in the band of the first zero-kilometer cars for families. So if you can offer more economy to these consumers, you will let them keep more money in their pockets to make payments, for example,' said Belini, speaking yesterday in FRortaleza (CE).

Publication: Gazeta Mercantil - OnLine News - en
Provider: Gazeta Mercantil / Investnews
Date: August 29, 2008