Fiat Automobiles is the European leader for CO2 emission reduction for the second year running

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Fiat Automobiles is one of Europe’s ten best-selling automotive brands and for the second year running confirmed the lowest average value for CO2 emissions from the vehicles sold in 2008: 133.7 g/km (137.3 g/km in 2007). The record was corroborated by JATO, a world leader in automotive advisory and research services, founded in 1984 and now operating in over 40 countries. The bottom line shows FIAT ahead of Peugeot (138.1 g/km), Citroen (142.4 g/km), Renault (142.7 g/km), Toyota (144.9 g/km), Ford (147.8 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (151.1 g/km), Volkswagen (158.8 g/km), BMW (160.6 g/km) and Mercedes (185.0 g/km). FIAT Group is also in pole position for groups (138.4 g/km), ahead of PSA, Renault, Toyota and Hyundai.

Lorenzo Sistino, managing director of FIAT Automobiles, says: “The result of this important analysis rewards FIAT’s ongoing quest for innovative solutions for reduction of polluting emissions and levels of CO2. But FIAT’s commitment has always been to the public’s real needs and won’t be stopping here. Our aim is actually to reinforce our European record in emission reduction by introducing new engines, new technologies and new applications. New engines, like those with the innovative Multiair system, which will gradually be installed in all our Group cars and will enable further reductions in consumption and emissions.New technologies, like the Start&Stop, already presented in the FIAT 500 and soon also to be seen on the range’s latest models. New applications like the ‘eco:Drive’, an innovative software developed with Microsoft, that uses a USB port from the versatile Blue&Me system to achieve analysis of the driver’s vehicle handling thus helping to optimize behaviour in terms of consumption and hence emissions: currently there are about 10,000 regular users who monitor their driving style in this way”.

Worldwide FIAT is one of the automotive companies offering the best response in the battle to beat the environmental impact of transport. To achieve this crucial objective, FIAT provides tangible solutions that are available to everyone and are available now. Proof lies in the models available to the market, investments in new product development, schemes for research and sustainable mobility developed in partnership with public administrations.

Nor should it be overlooked that FIAT is Europe’s leader in the production of compact vehicles, which are by definition the most eco friendly. For instance, two years ahead of others, the FIAT 500 and the FIAT Bravo both introduced Euro 5 petrol and diesel engines. What’s more, by the end of 2009, most engines in the FIAT range as a whole will be ahead of Euro 5 standards.

FIAT also recently presented two important developments: its LPG range comprising Panda, Grande Punto and Bravo models, as well as the new PUR-O2 line, specifically for the 500, the Croma and the Bravo. In particular, the latter includes a selected group of versions at the forefront of the international scenario, with high technological content, low consumption and CO₂ emissions. This is due to the application of specific systems and devices like the innovative “eco:Drive”, the new “Start&Stop” – developed by Engineering & Design and FPT, with input from supplier partners like Bosch and Magneti Marelli – which manages temporary engine power off and power up (to keep the vehicle ticking over when it is not moving) and special “eco packs” that include green tyres, low viscosity oils, aerodynamic packages and modified gearboxes.

Moreover, FIAT was the creator of Multijet technology that drives all new generation diesel, as well as being the world leader of the OEM methane vehicle market. Of course, FIAT believes that methane engines are the most appropriate technological choice to hand for dealing with pollution issues in urban areas. This is because the use of methane is a step in the right direction for environmental benefits (approximately a 23% reduction in CO₂ emissions and practically 0 for PM emissions), but also for money saving. FIAT is a leader in this technology and the first manufacturer to offer an eco line – "Natural Power" – with an extensive range of dual-fuel vehicles using petrol and methane. These are able to meet the mobility demands of a large category of users, including the professional sector: from the Doblò (also Cargo version) to the Punto (also Van version), from the Multipla to the Panda (also Van version) and even the Grande Punto.

Lastly, apart from research into alternative fuels, FIAT is now downsizing diesel and petrol engines, as can be seen in the new 1.4 T-Jet and 1.6 Multijet families. In particular, the application of a state-of-the-art turbo compressor combined with reduced engine size means that performance comparable to or better than large blocks can be achieved with lower emissions.