Developed and built in Brazil, the new Uno will also be produced in Europe, at Fiat’s Zastava plant in Kragujevac, Serbia. The factory currently builds a version of the second-generation Fiat Punto.
Fiat will invest EUR150 million ($190 million) to retool the aged facility for the production of the new Uno. The Uno will slot in between the Panda and the Punto Evo in Fiat’s line-up, being labeled as an “entry-level B-sector car” by the Italian automaker, a tag which suggests it will be very competitively priced.
The Serbian plant is currently undergoing renovation works, which will be completed at the end of this year. Beginning next year, Fiat will start the installation of new equipments necessary to build the Uno. According to Serbian newspaper Blic, the new factory is scheduled to start production before the end of 2011 and will employ 2,500 workers on the site. Production is estimated at around 300,000 units per year.
Measuring 3,770mm in length, 1,643mm in width and 1,490mm in height, with a wheelbase length of 2,370mm, the new Uno fits between the Panda and the Punto EVO as far as dimensions go. Boot capacity stands at 280 liters and the design of the car resemble the Panda’s, especially in the rear. There are however details that make the Uno unique, such as the three air vents in the grille.
Brazil is the first country to get the new car, starting this month, with other South American countries to follow in the second half of this year.
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