04 Mar 04
Fiat announced in Geneva that it was going ahead with plans to make a new large car (its eventual successor to the Croma), but for most people, it's cars like the Trepiuno concept that sum up what the Fiat brand is really about. The tiny Trepiuno ("three plus one") is a nod to the Topolino and original Cinquecento city cars, albeit with a number of nicely modern touches. Although it's described now as a concept car, insiders say that it could go into production for 2006 as a new entry-level car to sit in the range below the latest Panda and take on cars like the Smart Fortwo.
Just 3.3m long, the Trepiuno looks surprisingly roomy inside, thanks to a glass 'Skydome' roof and two arched side pillars creating an airy atmosphere. By deflating part of the dashboard around the front passenger's legs, and using high-tech thin-layered materials which take up less room than conventional upholstery, the front passenger seat can be slid forward far enough to accommodate another full-sized adult seat behind it, and with a bit of shuffling of backrests, cushions and seat-bases, up to four people can travel together - as long as they're reasonably close friends. Minimalist in design inside and out, the simple, clean design showcases modern features such as LED lights and taillights with LCD displays, LED interior lighting and LCD menus for multi-function control systems. But "no motif has been re-used on the Fiat Trepiuno before considering its usefulness on a present-day car, reviewing its functions and materials or even finding it new applications", says Fiat, guarding against accusations that it's rather retro-looking. Retro or not, it's dead cute, and given the increasing numbers of downsizing car buyers, the decision whether to put it into production or not should be a no-brainer. After all, the Italians buy more Smart Fortwo city cars than any other nation, and it's about time Fiat claimed back more of its home market.
Also on the Fiat stand were revised Multipla models, with the MPV's distinctive styling toned down, the Panda 4x4 and SUV concept car, mildly made-over Stilo models and high-spec versions of the Idea compact MPV and Barchetta roadster. Fiat Group chairman Herbert Demel also emphasised that the company was on the up, saying that "in 2003, Fiat Auto recorded the first positive signs. Despite the general drop in volumes and turnover, the company moved against the trend and reduced losses, which still remain quite relevant, by 30 percent to 979million euros in 2003 - a result basically obtained through the strict compliance with our cost reduction objectives. We know that the road to recovery is still long - but we can now say that our climb has begun." Fiat is to concentrate on renewing and refreshing its product line-up, improving its presence in the European market and reinforcing its dealer network, and improving its brand positioning, differentiation from the Alfa and Lancia line-ups and better quality of sales, with the aim of breaking even by 2006. In 2005, six new models are scheduled for launch. "In 2006, our product range will be one of the youngest and most innovative on the European market", says Demel.
