Fiat on Friday hailed January sales that made it the fourth-biggest selling brand in Western Europe for the first time since February 2000.
With almost 88,000 cars sold in January, the Fiat brand claimed 7.3 of the market share in western Europe, rising from sixth place in December 2007.
In a statement, the Turin carmaker said ''the Fiat brand was pushed higher by the excellent sales results achieved by the Panda and the Grande Punto, as well as the contribution of the 500 and the Bravo''.
Fiat group sales, including Lancia and Alfa Romeo, were hurt by the closure for restructuring of its main Alfa plant.
Group sales fell to 107,187 in January, a 1.4% drop compared to a year ago.
This compared to an 8.8% rise in December.
The Fiat group remained fifth in Western Europe with a market share of 8.9%, the same as a year ago.
