Highlights of Fiat Auto Japan's Exhibition at the 33rd Tokyo Motor Show

The exhibition space of Fiat Auto Japan Ltd.(Headquarters; Tokyo, President; Federico Goretti) at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show is shared by two brands: Fiat and Alfa Romeo. In the Fiat part of the booth, visitors should not miss the presentation of the new Fiat Punto and the 'Fiat Gallery' that traces the 100-year long history of the manufacturer. The new Punto was launched in Turin, Italy, on the very date when Fiat celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 11, 1999. The highlight of the Alfa Romeo side of the booth is Alfa Romeo's flagship, the Alfa 166, which was introduced in Japan in September 1999.

Fiat Booth

The Fiat space of the booth at this year's Tokyo Motor Show conveys a 'special' meaning. Using blue, the corporate colour of Fiat, as a backdrop, the stage of the presentation is designed to reflect the brand's long history, heritage and tradition and to simultaneously show the future direction of the company. The construction at the centre of the booth which resembles the shape of a ship, symbolizes Fiat's 100-year long voyage through the 20th century. The 'ship' celebrates the centennial anniversary of the company and proudly expresses its commitment to produce state-of-art automobiles in the next millenium.

The previous-generation Punto had been loved by many customers, disregarding nationally, age and profession. The cumulative sales of the model in Europe accounts for approximately 3.7 million units. The new-generation model, the latest work from Fiat Centro Stile, (Fiat Design Centre) features a sophisticated design solution that ensures higher levels of ride comfort, safety and security as well as performance. More than 80% of the new Punto parts are newly designed from scratch. The Punto 1.2 16V ELX Speedgear (five-door) and the Punto HGT Abarth (three-door) take the place of honour at this year's Tokyo Motor Show and stand shoulder to shoulder on the turntable. The models are identified with a new Fiat emblem, which is an modern reinterpretation of that used in the 1920s and 30s. The new logo is to adorn all Fiat automobiles from the new Punto onwards. Other models on exhibition are; the Fiat Barchetta Limited, launched in Japan last July, the Coupe Fiat Turbo Plus and the Punto Sporting Abarth, one of the best selling Fiat in Japan. Altogether, the Fiat booth offers visitors a unique experience among stylish, sporty and fun-to-drive Fiat products.

Fiat Gallery

The first floor of the 'ship' contains a commemorative gallery for the Fiat tradition and history. It exhibits a variety of photographs of Fiat and Italy in the 20th century as well as the company's old promotional posters. The transition of Italian society, industry and culture that have dynamically influenced the automotive product are clearly illustrated. Within the gallery, to further emphasize the past and future, are the popular and beloved Fiat 500 and a rally version of the new Punto. The latter was designed and manufactured by Fiat Auto Corse.
A large logo featuring the new emblem placed between the dates 1899 and 1999 is placed on the facade of the 'ship' to further emphasize Fiat's centenary.

Alfa Romeo Booth

The Alfa Romeo side of the booth, surrounded by Alfa's colour, red, is accentuated by brushed silver and wood, to bring together both Alfa's 'Cuore Sportivo' (Sporting Spirit) and a sophisticated Italian elegance. A sight not to be missed in the booth are the Alfa 166 3.0 V6 24V SPORTRONIC and the Alfa 166 2.5 V6 24V SPORTRONIC. These two models, featuring an electronically-controlled, four-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shifting feature were launched in the Japanese market in September 1999. They provide the perfect fusion among ride comfort, performance, safety and security as well as styling.
In addition, visitors to the booth will enjoy the other cars exhibited: the Alfa 156 2.0 Twin Spark SELESPEED, a model highly acclaimed worldwide since its introduction, the Alfa 145 Quadrifoglio, of which the face-lifted version was introduced in Japan in September, the 3.0 V6 Alfa GTV and the sport roadster, the Alfa Spider.