Italy 2008: Fiat Punto and Panda fight it out, Fiat 500 #3

Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat Panda

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The car market is down 14% this year in Italy at 2,162,124 registrations. For the first time in decades in the country, the fight for the first place is actually quite disputed. The Fiat Punto/Grande Punto stays on top but loses 30% at 156,945 units and 7.3%. For the first time ever for this generation, the Fiat Panda takes the lead of the Italian market in June above the Punto and Grande Punto put together.

The Fiat Panda then establishes itself in this position, staying on top from August onwards for a total of 6 months and peaking at 7.9% in November. It sells 148,385 units in the full year for a 6.9% market share, it 5th consecutive year of market share progression in Italy!

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 confirms its excellent start from last year and finishes the year in 3rd place with 93,278 sales and 4.3%. It even climbs to 2nd place in September with 10,226 sales and 5.8%, above the Fiat Punto. The Ford Fiesta stays solid in 4th position with 3.7%, ahead of the Toyota Yaris, Lancia Ypsilon and Opel Corsa.

Audi A4

The Fiat Bravo ranks 9th for its first full year of sales, reaching its best ever market share in March at 2.9% (#5). A few other models shine this year: the Audi A4 spends 3 consecutive months in the Top 10, a first in Italy, peaking at #8 in August, the Nissan Qashqai also breaks into the Top 10 for the very first time this year at #10 in November, the Chevrolet Matiz reaches a best-ever 11th spot in June and the Fiat Croma does the same at #15 in February.

Two new Italian models get launched this year: the Lancia Delta in June, peaking at #20 in October and November, and the Alfa Romeo Mi.To in August, climbing up to #14 in November.

Previous year: Italy 2007: Fiat Punto and Panda lead, Bravo and 500 arrive

Next year: Italy 2009: Fiat Punto, Panda and Ford Fiesta all stronger

Full Year Top 50 and every Monthly Top 30 Ranking Tables below.