Fiat Punto discontinued in Europe

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