[blackwasp]

After being in production for 25 years, the Fiat Punto has been discontinued in Europe. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) executives have revealed that going forward, the company would focus on models like the 500 and its electric versions as well as the Panda. In addition to the Punto, Fiat has also axed the Tipo in the European market.

The Punto dethroned the Volkswagen Golf after the latter's 17-year streak in 1997 as the best selling car in Europe. The Grande Punto, or the 3rd-generation car, constituted 85% of Fiat's total production in 2011, until sales started declining from 2012. The car was 7 years old and a facelift was expected but FCA decided to concentrate on the 500 and Panda instead. Further, growing SUV sales also lead to the decline in sales of the small hatchback.

Last week, Sergio Marchionne, FCA CEO, said that the decision to axe the Punto was taken in the wake of new emission norms and growing price-competitiveness. In comparison, the Panda and 500 have been generating decent sales. In 2017, the 500 sold 190,389 units, while the Panda came second in the mini car segment in Europe with 187,682 units. The Volkswagen Up at 98,929 units occupied the third position. Going forward, Fiat plans to introduce hybrid and full-electric variants of the 500, while the 500L and 500XL will receive mild hybrid powertrains only.

In India, the Punto was introduced in 2009. The facelifted Evo came in 2014. However, they never managed to set the charts on fire. Combined with low sales and a small dealer network, India will most likely follow Europe's lead of discontinuing the Punto. Meanwhile, FCA's Jeep plans for the next 5 years reveal a slew of launches as well as new models.



Source - Auto News

Link to the Team-BHP News

[ghodlur]

Sad. Very Sad.

Furious at the Fiat management, they didn't even give the beautiful car a decent burial. The car hardly had any face lifts considering the Fords, Hyundai's and the Maruti's having almost on monthly basis barring the introduction of Evo. The Indian management was busy selling engines to other car manufacturers and forgot totally about selling cars.

Anyways, the car was and is still a treat to drive.

[Flyer]

This is sad news!

What about Tipo? Does FCA have any plans to bring Tipo to India to replace the dying Punto? Or launch Tipo as new Punto?

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by Flyer

This is sad news!

How about Tipo? Does FCA have any plans to bring Tipo to India to replace the dying Punto? Or launch Tipo as new Punto?

The opening post mentions that the Tipo has also been axed.

It looks likely that Fiat will wind up their operations here and the parent company's presence will be limited to the Jeep brand, unless someone has a brain-wave and finally decides that the Panda is worth considering for our market.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

After being in production for 25 years, the Fiat Punto has been discontinued in Europe.

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Sad. Very Sad.

Furious at the Fiat management, they didn't even give the beautiful car a decent burial.

25 years is way too much in the automotive context. Even the current generation of the car has been in sale for over 13 years and it should have been retired earlier. When you drag a generation for too long- bad things like this happen as technology keeps advancing every single day.

Happy that it has finally been discontinued.

Sad part is that FCA under (the ill managed rule of) Sergio Marchionne has destroyed a nameplate that was once the pride of FIAT. Not only did the Punto single handedly revive the fortunes of the company, but it was responsible for upto a mind numbing 85% of the company's sales at a point. Sergio Marchionne can claim responsibility for destroying it with lack of updates in favour of his clueless plans which could make Thuglaq proud.

Like I mentioned in another thread - I believe the 120 year old brand is in its last legs now. Concentrating on the 500 and its derivates? That in itself is OLD now - with the next generation nowhere in sight? Wonder what they are concentrating on.

Hopefully - Sergio Marchionne's retirement coming up soon might bring some fresh life into FCA.

Originally Posted by Flyer

This is sad news!

What about Tipo? Does FCA have any plans to bring Tipo to India to replace the dying Punto? Or launch Tipo as new Punto?

Marchionne said the Turkey-produced Tipo compact family will be discontinued in the EU once stricter emissions rules are in place because “the technology to make the car viable for EU standards is too costly." The various Tipo versions will continue in the markets in Europe outside of the EU, and also in the Middle East and Africa.

Tipo is discontinued for Europe. Hardly makes sense to discontinue it in other markets where its just two years into its life cycle.

Even the Punto for that matter, might continue to be dragged on in markets like India. Hardly makes sense to bring any fresh FIAT products to India - when Jeep has become a big success.

[vb-saan]

Finally some good decision from Fiat – no point in dragging on with something which is so old. Though I am not sure how successful they will be with the 500 spin-offs. And good decision to pull the plug on the Tipo – it just didn’t click and no point in trying to revive a DoA product.

[sajands]

There has been rumors of Tipo or even the Cronos landing on Indian roads but again been hearing this since last 2 years so nothing new and if FCA do launch them in India it will be just dumping the unsold stock here. But again, something better than nothing.

[aniyo]

I wonder what's with Fiat. They had a good product with 500X that is sold in Europe and got good reviews. 500X would have fit nicely into the crossover category. They had palio adventure back in the days that fit this crossover category
But well knowing them I am not at all surprised.
I see only Hyundai, Suzuki and to an extent Honda are committed to the Indian markets and their sales and re-sale of their products shows.

[SoumenD]

Ah!!! Farewell LEGEND

Am sure this move will follow suit in our market as well pretty soon and it doesn't make sense to keep dedicating assembly line for something which barely sells. Specially with Jeep doing really well, that setup can be modified to cater to JEEP products. That 20L SUV sells more in a month compared to PUNTO & LINEA combined over a quarter. FCA would surely want to build upon that euphoria.

I dont think they would continue FIAT brand at all in India anymore & continue to be known as JEEP rather.

[GTO]

There is still a very big market for small cars and a next-generation improved Punto would have done well internationally. However, Sergio has just behaved like an investment banker and not an automotive CEO - the Punto's demise is yet another bitter side-effect of his rein. The Punto was to Fiat what the Swift is to Maruti - can you imagine what would happen if Maruti had to continue selling the 1st-gen 2005 Swift today? Well, that's what happened to the Punto. No investments, no development, no subsequent new generations.

A part of me will be very happy on the day that Sergio retires.

[Lalvaz]

In 2010, I was on the lookout for a new car. Took a test drive of many hatchbacks including the Punto. Was mighty impressed with a solid body, great ride, handling, and interior quality. The only let downs were the loud throbbing engine noise of the 1.3 L diesel mill, and the poor marketing setup.

Surprisingly, I ended up choosing the Swift VDi, which also used the same engine, and for all the ills that plague Maruti, they did a better job in reducing in cabin noise levels than Fiat. Also the after sales was superb. Still driving the Swift and she's served me well for over 1.25 lac kms. Can't complain too much, but a part of me still pines for the Punto.

I guess this was meant to be, since the firm now seems to be focusing on Jeep. We've seen zero interest in India for the Punto or Linea for years now. Adios Punto, will miss you.

[theexperthand]

Sigh! He looks as handsome today as the day he was rolled out from the assembly line. I personally think Punto is still one of the best looking hatchbacks out there, even though the design is 13 years old.





Sad to see the legend going out of production, but it is inevitable.

--Anoop

[volkman10]

Fiat Punto taken off sale after 13 years.

Hatchback is no longer available for sale in the UK and production has ceased; a replacement is unlikely.

A replacement for the supermini looks unlikely; instead, the space freed up at the company's plant in Melfi, Italy, will be utilised for a second Maserati SUV, as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles attempts to ramp up the luxury brand's sales figures

Link