Despite the plummeting sales in car purchases as a result of the challenging economy, Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised Distributors of Mercedes-Benz products and FIAT in Nigeria, is optimistic that car lovers in Nigeria will find in the new FIAT Tipo all that they want in a modern car.

The auto firm is targeting about 200 unit sale of the new FIAT brand.

Speaking at the product launch last Thursday in Lagos, Mirko Plath, CEO/Managing Director, Weststar Associates said though, new car imports in the country dropped by about 90%, he hopes the arrival of the FIAT Tipo will claim about 15% of the market share and hopefully around 200 cars will be sold within the first year.

According to him, the Italian brand promises to match the superior standards set by all the other brands in Nigeria.

“Today we have started an evolutionary journey by taking one more step in our business, we have listened to our customers and we have, after many months of planning, research and business meetings, finally completed this extraordinary task to make a dream come true especially in the Nigerian market, by bringing FIAT back home, a product that thoroughly satisfies and excites despite the present economic circumstances and the challenging times,” Plath said.

He noted that, “the Fiat brand slogan, driven by passion, inspired us to deliver more for less.” Also speaking, Stravros Diamantidas, General Manager, Weststar, Abuja branch, said the car will put their competitors on the edge.

“Every taste of the Fiat Tipo covered, either as a family car or casual car. The u-shape tail design gives it a muscle while driving,” Stravros said.

Some of the features of the new Fiat include low fuel consumption, soothing seat while driving and wide booth to accommodate luggage.

It is 4.54 meters long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.49 meters high. The 2.64-meter wheelbase emphasises its excellent internal comfort.

FIAT is a major brand from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group. The formal merger between Fiat and Chrysler Group carries on the tradition of two historic automakers: Fiat founded in 1899 and Chrysler founded in 1925. Together the two automobile makers created a stronger alliance to produce cars that are more revolutionary.

As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

•Photo shows the new Fiat Tipo at the unveiling in Lagos, last Thursday. On the driver’s seat is Stravros Diamantidas.

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