Fiat Punto successor could be called 500 Plus

In our December 2013 report, we had mentioned that Italian carmaker Fiat was planning to drop the Punto hatchback from its line-up and replace it with a 5-door version of the Fiat 500. Latest reports suggest that the new car, which is expected to be launched in 2016, could be called the 500 Plus.

The 500 Plus will be longer and wider than the 500. Fiat plans to build it at its plant in Tychy, Poland. The plant will need to be upgraded with respect to production lines and technology and for this company is said to be investing $784 million. 420 additional employees will be hired as well. About 1,80,000 units of the 500 Plus are expected to be built annually.

Globally, the current-generation Punto has been in production since 2005. With time, its appeal has dropped and that has reflected in its sales. In 2013, Fiat managed to sell 1,03,822 units of the European Punto, 22% lower than the previous year. In the same period, Ford sold 292,640 units of the Fiesta, which is the segment leader.

Source: Autonews