NF500 / innovative solutions

Fiat are to display their new range of low consumption, low emissions vehicles at the Paris motorshow in October, the following press release offers the full lowdown on the PUR-O2 ethos, and in particular interest, of course, the Fiat 500 PUR-O2, coming to a dealer near you soon.

PUR-O2: the new environmental protection line from FIAT

The Paris show hosts the world premiere of the new PUR-O2 line that will be available on the 500, Croma and Bravo from November. This select group of versions is at the cutting edge of the international automotive scenario due to their high-tech content, low fuel consumption and low CO2 emission levels. The result has been achieved by the introduction of special systems and devices such as the innovative Eco Drive, the new ‘Start&Stop’ device developed by Bosch and special Eco Packs that include green tyres, low-viscosity fluids, aerodynamic packages and gearboxes with modified ratios.

The new PUR-O2 line confirms Fiat’s wish to develop more and more new products as part of its quest for innovative solutions to contain polluting emissions and CO2 levels. Fiat is incidentally one of the motoring brands providing the best response to the need to limit the impact of transport on the environment. The company JATO – world leader in automotive research and consulting, set up in 1984 and present in more than 40 countries – recently announced that, out of the ten biggest selling automobile brands in Europe, Fiat Automobiles is the brand that achieved the lowest average CO2 emissions value for the cars it sold in 2007, i.e 134.6 g/km. And more, again in 2007, the CO2 emissions of no fewer than 23% of the cars sold by Fiat were lower than 120 g/km and 67% of Fiat cars achieved a level of less than or equal to 140 g/km.

Heartened by this result and irrespective of what will be decided in Europe, Fiat Automobiles is aiming to achieve the lowest average adjusted level of CO2 emissions for its cars by 2012. Fiat intends to pursue its goal by introducing a targeted campaign on its engines, transmission and cars and also the structural use of the Start&Stop system.

The Stop&Start system was developed in conjunction with FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies and includes a special reinforced starter motor produced by Bosch in addition to a particularly advanced control strategy that analyses a host of engine, gearbox and climate control parameters to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while upholding the Fiat 500’s high handling and reliability standards.

Fiat 500 PUR-O2

The PUR-O2 version, built on the basis of a Fiat 500 Lounge, is fitted with the tried and tested 1.2 petrol engine and equipped with the Start&Stop system, a device that turns the engine off temporarily and restarts it during periods when the engine would be idling with the car at a standstill. In these situations, typical of congested traffic in urban areas and while waiting at traffic lights, and when control strategies permit it, the system automatically turns off the engine to allow a significant saving in fuel (more than 10% reduction in fuel consumption over an urban cycle). As soon as the brake pedal is released or a gear engaged, the system then quickly restarts the engine to ensure the user an immediate response to controls. The Start&Stop also offers further advantages in terms of passenger compartment comfort due to the lack of vibrations and noise. The system therefore represents a high-tech and smart solution to the requirement for low environmental impact cars with good fuel economy.

The PUR-O2 version of the 500 can boast the lowest emissions in the petrol range (CO2 emissions: 115 g/km), and is also equipped with the Eco Drive system.

From January 2009, it will also be possible to combine the system with a Dualogic gearbox that allows optimum management of gear shifts and offers high mechanical efficiency. In detail, the automated transmission offers a basis for smart management of engine on/off status, shaving even more off fuel consumption figures and guaranteeing CO2 emission levels even lower than 115 g/km. By controlling the clutch, the system can disengage the engine from the transmission whenever drive is not required and the engine can be turned off.

If you were concerned that as much as you love the new Fiat 500, it’s just outside of your grasp, or your planned budget has been blown out of the water after being tempted by the impressive array of options available, then Fiat may have come up with the answer.   Fiat have announced a series of unique finance, maintenance and support packages exclusive to the new Fiat 500.  Details are given below:

‘500 cents’ and ‘50to500’: innovative solutions from Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services

In perfect harmony with the many ways of customising the new model, Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services has developed two innovative solutions that also underline the strategic nature of the Financial Services, and its role of captive finance company.

For Fiat Group Automobiles, ‘500’ is both a name and a brand, and the two formulae offered by Financial Services are based on this principle: ‘500 cents’ is the ideal product for the customer who purchases with a loan, while a motorist who usually uses cash, will be able to try out the new ‘50to500’ financial formula.

The new products were designed with the ‘advantages for the customer’ firmly in mind, and the loans include ‘additional services’ offered by Parts&Services, a Fiat Group Automobiles company that specialises in after-sales services and loyalty programmes.

Both financial products include a 5 year/500,000 km warranty and the ‘500 Free’ package at a discount price.

These two products will be available on all European markets, starting in Italy through Sava, and in France through Fiat Crédit, namely in the first two markets where the Fiat 500 will be launched.
With ‘500 cents’ the customer can customise his car with over 500,000 variants but the instalment remains the same: ¤ 5 a day to buy any version, engine, option or accessory. In Italy the Sava proposal is based on instalment payments (even with no down payment) varying in length up to a maximum of 5 years. In France on the other hand, the Fiat Crédit proposal is based on a leasing agreement with a final repurchase value.

With ‘50to500’ the customer collects the car, paying just 50% immediately, and the remaining 50% after two years, with no intermediate instalments (in Italy this is an instalment agreement with a large final instalment, while in France it is a leasing agreement).

The concepts of the two proposals took their inspiration from the positioning of the new 500: extreme customisation to reflect one’s own personality. It is the concept of ‘mass exclusiveness’, a car for the people that should be accessible to everyone.

‘500 Free’ from Fiat Group Automobiles Parts & Services

Fiat Group Automobiles Parts & Services has developed ‘500 Free’ for the new car, an exclusive package whose very name evokes a sense of freedom. In fact, the customer does not have to worry about anything: a mobile workshop will be at his disposal 24 hours a day to guarantee complete roadside service, even if he runs out of petrol or fills up with the wrong fuel, has a puncture, a flat battery or forgets his keys; and when it is time for periodical maintenance, the car collection service will pick the car up from his home, and his mobility will be guaranteed by the reimbursement of any taxi fares (bonus up to ¤ 50). To use the service the customer only has to call a freephone number. ‘500 Free’ will be available on all European markets for the customers who choose it, and will be included in the range of financial solutions dedicated specifically to the Fiat 500.