PUNTO has been pivotal in the growth of Fiat Auto UK in the last five years and with the manufacturer's Alfa Romeo brand opening fleet doors with the 156, the Italian company is attracting corporate attention. In 1994 Punto sales totalled 22,826 and grew to 52,159, making it the fourth best-selling supermini in the UK.

Last year, about 50% of registrations went into the fleet sector. However, much of that business has been in the daily rental and bodyshop courtesy car sectors, but Fiat says new Punto will help drive it into the heart of 'real' fleets. With changes in company car tax putting issues such as downsizing, fuel economy and emissions at the forefront of attention, Fiat believes Punto is set to win both the hearts and minds of decision makers.

The launch of Punto comes as Fiat Auto has completed the first phase of its 'corporate breakthrough programme'. In the 15 months since the programme was launched to boost Fiat and Alfa Romeo's fleet presence, more than 7,000 corporate decision makers have been approached. Crucial to the success of the programme has been the appointment of fleet operations manager Jeff Fielding, who is leading a newly- appointed team of 10 fleet sales advisers.

He said: 'The advisers are all about our new focus on communication with our customers. The deal no longer ends when the car rolls out of the showroom. They are being helped by the best line-up of vehicles Alfa Romeo and Fiat has had in its history. The Alfa 156 now offers fleets a serious competitor to the BMW 3-series or Mercedes C-class. In the past fleets have liked the Alfa styling, but been concerned about the long-term reliability. That is changing now.'