Fiat sold 4,644 units in April, doubling its UK market share to 2.85% compared to the same month last year (1.38%).

"We are delighted to have doubled our market share last month, and we have been able to do so because customer demand for our new Grande Punto is so strong," says Giulio Salomone, managing director, Fiat Auto UK.

"We are performing at a higher level than we forecast at the beginning of the year, and we are now introducing our new Sedici 4x4 SUV, which has been a success since it went on sale in Italy.

"We are confident that with the enthusiastic support of our dealer network, and the dedicated efforts of our team in Slough, 2006 will be a great year for Fiat in the UK."