EL DORSINO È DA DEFINIRE - FIAT SpA

AUTOMOBILES — FIAT AUTO
In Western Europe, demand for automobiles remained strong
during the first half of 2000, with a total of 8,125,000 cars
sold as of June 30, 2000 (+1.6% compared with the same
period in 1999). Italian motorists bought 1,401,000
automobiles, or 2.6% more than a year ago.
In the rest of Western Europe, demand expanded by an
average of 1.3%. However, the performance varied from one
country to the next: shipments were up in France (+16.9%),
Spain (+5.9%), Belgium (+9.9%), Ireland (+42.5%) and Greece
(+15.6%). On the other hand, the German, Portuguese
and Danish markets, which performed well in 1999, posted
declines of 11.2%, 6.0% and 20.7%, respectively.
In Holland and Switzerland demand held steady at last
year’s level.
Outside the euro-bloc countries, volumes contracted by
13.7% in Poland, owing in part to higher automobile taxes,
but improved in Turkey, where favorable economic conditions
pushed demand to almost 200,000 units, or 70% more than
in the first six months of 1999.
In Latin America, sales were up in Brazil (525,000 cars,
+5.9%) and in Argentina (133,000 cars, +2.2%) during the
period under review.
Demand for light commercial vehicles was particularly strong,
with shipments rising 7.9% in Western Europe. In Italy sales
of these models totaled 113,500 units, (+21.4%).
During the first half of 2000, Fiat Auto sold a total of
1,250,000 cars, or 4.6% more than in the corresponding
period last year.
Western European customers bought 868,800 vehicles
(+4.6%), pushing Fiat Auto’s market share to 10.7% (10.4%
during the first six months of 1999). This improvement reflects
to a significant extent the successful launch of the new Fiat
Punto. With 328,000 units sold during the first half of the year,
the Punto was the top selling car in its segment and ranked
second overall among the most popular cars in Europe.
Automobile Market
1st half 1st half %
(in thousands of units) 2000 1999 change
France 1,095.6 937.4 16.9
Germany 1,753.6 1,974.7 (11.2)
Great Britain 1,217.8 1,195.0 1.9
Italy 1,400.7 1,365.3 2.6
Spain 763.5 720.7 5.9
Western Europe 8,124.5 8,000.0 1.6
Poland 270.0 312.8 (13.7)
Brazil 524.5 495.4 5.9
In Italy, registrations of new Fiat Auto cars totaled 514,000
units (+4.1%), for a market share of 36.7% (36.2% in the first
six months of 1999).
Fiat Auto continued to pursue its commitment to develop
vehicles that are increasingly friendly to the environment. At
the Geneva Car Show, it presented the Ecobasic, a concept
car that introduces numerous new technological solutions that
will find application in production models. The Sector also
launched the Multipla Fiat Hybrid Power, another innovative
environmental car that can run alternatively on an internal
combustion engine or an electric motor.
Alfa Romeo was particularly busy during the first half of the
year, introducing the 156 Sportwagon, a model that embodies
an original approach in combining the convenience of a
station wagon with the performance of a sports car. The
Alfa 147, an aggressive two-door model that offers high
performance, safety and top-notch accessories and comfort,
made its debut at the Turin Car Show. The first units will be
in the showrooms this fall.
During the first half of 2000, Fiat Auto continued to pursue
the globalization of its activities.
The programs launched to manufacture and sell World Car
models in the developing markets were particularly successful.
In Egypt, the Sector introduced the Siena, which was
extremely well received by customers.
In China, Fiat Auto consolidated its presence with the
production of local models and is carrying out the capital
investment programs needed for the production of the Palio
and Palio Weekend.
In Russia, the timing of the implementation of the agreement
signed with the local government is predicated upon an
Sales Performance – Automobiles and Light Commercial
Vehicles
1st half 1st half %
(in thousands of units) 2000 1999 change
France 62.7 65.9 (4.9)
Germany 84.5 91.4 (7.5)
Great Britain 57.3 53.0 8.1
Italy 542.6 512.3 5.9
Spain 37.8 35.1 7.7
Western Europe 914.8 871.8 4.9
Poland 85.9 92.9 (7.5)
Brazil 163.8 152.9 7.1
Total units sold 1,249.7 1,194.8 4.6
Affiliated companies 41.6 25.5 63.1
Grand total 1,291.3 1,220.3 5.8
Performance of the Operating Sectors – Automobiles
15