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

Embraer Delivers First Embraer 190 Jet to China's Kunpeng Airlines

Embraer delivered, yesterday, the first of five EMBRAER 190 jets to China's Kunpeng Airlines Co. Ltd., one of the largest operators on the Chinese regional aviation market. In July 2008, during the 46th Farnborough Airshow, in the U.K, Embraer announced a firm order for five EMBRAER 190 jets by Kunpeng.

"We are very glad to see our EMBRAER 190 serving more Chinese passengers through the reliable operation of Kunpeng Airlines," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "We believe that the EMBRAER 190, with its superior performance, economics and comfort, will meet our Chinese customer's fleet needs, and contribute to its growth plans and success."

The aircraft is configured to comfortably accommodate 98 passengers in a dual-class layout, and will enhance significantly Kunpeng's operational capability.

"We are very pleased to take delivery of our first EMBRAER 190 jet, which we believe will be an ideal aircraft for us to explore the emerging Chinese regional aviation market," said Mr. Li Kun, Vice Chairman of the Board and President of Shenzhen Airlines Co., Ltd. "With this reliable new model entering service, we will be dedicated to building our company into the most sizable, characteristic, and competitive regional airline in mainland China."

Kunpeng Airlines is a joint venture between China's Shenzhen Airlines and the Mesa Air Group, of the United States, with the Chinese party holding the larger share. It officially started operations in September 2007, and has established more than 20 routes to date.

Publication: PR Newswire
Provider: PR Newswire
Date: August 29, 2008