The Fiat Group has announced that its brands Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Commercial Vehicles and Lancia will launch not just 20 new models in the next four years, but also five new models that will take it into completely new markets as well as face lifting a further 23 models.

The new models range from a tiny new Fiat city car, set to be dubbed the Fiat 500, to a new Alfa Romeo model to sit above the existing Alfa 166 and a fleet of new commercial vehicles for the Fiat CV range.

Announcing the plans, Fiat's Chief Executive Officer, Sergio Marchionne, said that the new models represent a continuation of the aggressive renewal of the Fiat Group's product range that began two years ago and which represent an investment of 10 billion Euro (AUS$16 billion), including 4 billion Euro (AUS$6.5 billion) for research and development. The new models will secure the long term future and success of the Fiat Group.

Fiat has already launched the Fiat Croma and revealed the Fiat Punto Grande this year, but yet to come are the first details of a new Fiat 4WD and more versions of its small van/MPV, the Doblo. These will be followed by four new models, including new mid-size hatchs and MPVs.

The Alfa Romeo 159 and Brera have been launched this year to widespread acclaimed for their design, styling and performance. But Alfa will not be resting on its laurels, with the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and the Brera Spider yet to come this year, with two new models and four major facelifts to follow in the next three years.

The Fiat Ducato, which has proven to be such a success in Australia, will be joined by a host of new models and versions that will expand Fiat's CV range both upwards and downwards, as well providing a wide choice in the middle of the market. A new joint venture vehicle, dubbed the MiniCargo, will take Fiat into a new market sector, while all-new replacements for the Ducato and its sibling, the Scudo, and a host of car and MPV-derived commercial vehicles are also slated.

Lancia will continue its strong return to form with three all-new models, included a 4WD, a medium-size luxury family hatch - a successor to the legendary Lancia Delta - and a vehicle which Lancia will say no more than it is a "specialty" model.

2006 Alfa Romeo 159

Some previous Fiat and Alfa Romeo articles:

Australian Alfa Romeo Goes To Pebble Beach 10th August, 2005 The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the ultimate classic car show, attracting the most valuable cars from around the world, including at least one from Australia ..... more

Fiat Cars Are Coming Back To Australia 29th July, 2005 The new Punto Grande will herald the return of Fiat cars to Australia. It will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and arrive in Australia in late 2006 ..... more

Fiat History 8th August, 2005 Fiat celebrated its 106th birthday last month (11th July, 2005) with the anniversary of the day in 1899 when Fiat or Fabbrica Italiana Automobili di Torino was founded ..... more

Alfa Romeo 159 15th June, 2005 Following its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new 159 is about to be released in Europe ..... more