A new Fiat franchise on the Isle of Wight has sold its first car – a Fiat Panda – to an Italian couple living on the island.

Despite offering natives to the Solent access to the Fiat brand for the first time in five years, it was a couple sharing the roots of the compact hatchback that took first advantage of the new showroom following its official opening.

“You could not ask for a more appropriate first sale, given that this classic small-car marque traces its roots back to the original 1957 ‘Bambino’ Fiat 500 loved by millions of Italians,” said Tom Cheverton, head of business for the Isle of Wight at Snows Motor Group.

As well as Snows Fiat, there is now Snows Abarth, the performance hatch arm of the Fiat marque, available at the Forest Road facility in Newport.  

Cheverton, who grew up on the Island, is also Head of Business Isle of Wight BMW, Mini and Seat.

He said: “As well as the Fiat purchases by delighted customers, including the Italian couple, we’ve seen increased Fiat footfall from people who may have previously been put off having to travel across the Solent as they make important purchasing decisions.

“Convenience is everything in this day and age and we’re proud, as a local Island employer with 26 staff, to be contributing to the local economy and providing residents with the opportunity to buy Fiats on the Island for the first time in nearly five years.”