Visitors to the stand are greeted at the entrance by the Punto itself, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the renowned 4 HP, the first car ever built by Fiat in 1899. The two cars stand symbolically side by side to represent a company that looks to the future and the global market where it is now a major player, yet never forgets its identity and roots.

Fiat Punto

Photo: Fiat

The Punto is dead, long live the Punto - true star of this international Motor Show. The name remains to honour a car that gave so much satisfaction to so many customers of different tastes, ages, nationalities and professions. More than 3 million 700 thousand motorists throughout Europe in fact). Everything else has changed, however: the layout is different, the styling is different and many engineering features are brand-new.

Excellent performances are also offered by the 44 kW (60 bhp) 1.9 aspirated diesel engine and the three petrol units: the 1.2 with 8 and 16 valves offering 44 kW (60 bhp) and 59 kW (80 bhp) respectively - and the 96 kW (130 bhp) 1.8 16 valve unit. Because they achieve a generous torque output at low rpm, all these engines offer great flexibility combined with low fuel consumption and noise levels. Thus the Punto offers five engines, one automatic sequential transmission (with six or seven speeds), two manual gearboxes (with five or six speeds), two cars with different styling (3 and 5 doors). All this plus six outfits (Punto, SX, ELX, HLX, Sporting and HGT) and fifteen body colours - each usually available with two different interior trim shades. The result is one of the most diverse and comprehensive ranges in the segment, i.e. an impressive total of 23 versions able to meet all needs and satisfy any customer.

The two major French groups are to conduct a joint development and marketing programme for a new-concept communication-capable car integrating mobile telephony (GSM), global positioning (GPS) and Internet technologies, with access to a Europe-wide services package.

In response to consumers’ priority expectations for improved safety and driver assistance features, PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN and Vivendi have designed a services package that specifically addresses the motorist. The new system offers drivers anywhere in Europe direct pushbutton access to specialist call centres that respond in their language. Information exchange operates by voice or data transfer, with display on the dashboard screen.

- One pushbutton gives access to non-emergency assistance services: real-time personalized guidance and traffic information; tourist information; assistance; breakdown call-out; and Peugeot or Citroën call-centre support (for remote troubleshooting, remote maintenance and customer relations functions).

- A second pushbutton gives access to emergency assistance services. This function is also triggered automatically by activation of the airbags or impact sensors.

From spring 2000, Peugeot and Citroën will start gradually introducing on-board communication equipment (GMS, GPS, screen) across their vehicle ranges, and retro-fit systems will be released for existing vehicles.

The new services, specifically designed for motorists, will also be accessible via telephone (fixed-wire or mobile) and Internet. Motorists will enjoy seamless service quality throughout European countries, thanks to preferential agreements between SFR and other European mobile operators, CGEA Transport partnerships with support service operators, and a Europe-wide European assistance network developed by PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN.

Another innovative feature is that cars will have their own Internet addresses. Drivers will be able to prepare journeys from a Website at home, then retrieve information and answers to specific queries from the on-board terminal. The introduction of advanced information and communication technologies marks the beginning of a new era in motoring, with the multimedia car. The benefits will be substantial, in terms of safety (with simplified controls, improved ergonomics, hands-free operation) efficiency (time savings, access to individualized service, etc.) and environmental protection (traffic flow, etc.). The new service package will be introduced on Peugeot and Citroën vehicles for an initial experimental phase prior to gradual implementation on other models.

Towards the end of November 1999, PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN CEO Jean-Martin Folz and Vivendi CEO Jean-Marie Messier are to make a joint declaration announcing the name of the new service, together with details on the first prototypes for this new-generation communication-capable car.

As the third millennium approaches, the new concept fittingly symbolizes harmonious integration of tomorrow’s car in the modern multimedia age. Yet it also furthers the most traditional and inherent quality of motor transport: freedom of movement. And of course, it brings substantial increases in convenience and safety, through interaction between the car and its environment.

Anyone interested in taking part can obtain further information online at www.access.de* where they can also apply to take part until 30 September 1999. The candidates selected by Audi's personnel experts and Access will be informed from 8 October onwards and will be sent further information and the access data (user ID and password) for the "Audi Message Board". Team members will then meet "live" at the workshop at Schloss Lautrach where they will present and discuss the results of the "Technology.Chat" with Audi representatives.

Participants can choose from the following subjects provided by Audi: "The Personalization of Electronics Functions in the Car", "Strategic Outsourcing", "The Virtual Tool", "Body and Interior Equipment of the Future" and "Quality Management in Development".

An interesting accompanying programme during the three-day workshop at Schloss Lautrach will also give participants the chance to become better acquainted with the company Audi, potential future colleagues and direct superiors.

* Access Gesellschaft für Personal- und Hochschulmarketing mbh is Audi's partner for the organization and management of this project. Further information on applying to take part can also be obtained by calling the Access info number +49 221 95 64 90 64.