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      Fiat to stop production of Punto for 20 days; 5000 workers on temporary layoff

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      While everyone is familiar about the economic slowdown and sluggish auto market in Europe, it is for the first time that the Italian car maker, Fiat is affected by the slow demands. There are reports coming that the company is planning to completely stop the production of its entry level hatchback, Fiat Punto at their plant in Melfi, Italy for a 20 day period.

      Fiat  to stop production of Punto for 20 days; 5000 workers on temporary layoff
      Fiat to stop production of Punto for 20 days; 5000 workers on temporary layoff
       

      Fiat sales have dipped by 19.7 per cent in Italy, 11.9 per cent in Spain, 39.9 per cent in Greece and 38.3 per cent in Portugal. As is clear from the above figures, Fiat has clearly suffered in the last few months in these four markets which are considered to be its strongest in Europe. It is not that only Fiat has fallen victim to the slowdown but the overall car sales in Europe has decreased by 7.8 per cent in January to October period in comparison to the same period in 2011.

      Reportedly, the company will place its 5,000 workers at its Punto production plant in Italy on a temporary layoff scheme on December 17 and between December 21 and January 13.

      The car was first launched by the Italian car maker in 1993 and since then has undergone a lot of modification on its exterior, interiors and under the hood. The third generation, Grande Punto has been highly appreciated by the car enthusiasts all over the Europe. It was also awarded a 5 star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test for passengers, apart from a 3 star rating on pedestrian safety parameters. Looking at its past history, it can, therefore, be said that the present dip in its demand is hopefully just temporary.

      Fiat | grande punto | Fiat Grande Punto