Pilkington: Fiat 500's 50th Birthday Boost

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Launched in July this year, the new 500 is seen as evidence of the Italian national marque's return to the top after a period in the doldrums. Sales are already exceeding the forecast of 120,000 vehicles per year, with production at Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland currently edging past the 150,000 level.

"We are delighted to share in the Cinquecento's success," said Fiat programme manager Mario Giuliani. "The car's design builds on the appeal of the very first 500, which was such a huge success, and development work went smoothly despite the deadline being pulled forward on a number of occasions."



The 500's rear quarterlight is being produced at San Salvo, with encapsulation at Settimo, and the remainder of the glass is being manufactured at Sandomierz. All the glass is being supplied to Fiat through Sandomierz.

"This is a very important contract for us," said account manager Marco Donati. "We have worked hard to support Fiat through a period of crisis and now the Cinquecento's success is a tribute to the commitment of everyone involved."