The Brazil-built Fiat Grande Punto was launch in South America during a ceremony in Buenos Aires, Argentina in August (above).

The Federación Interamericana de Periodistas del Automóvil (Inter-American Federation of Auto Journalists Automobile) FIPA, based on the votes cast by automotive journalists in 19 countries of Americas, has elected the Fiat Grande Punto as Inter-American Car of the Year, during the IFAP’s Awards 2008.

The Fiat Grande Punto achieved 91 votes reinforcing its prestige in Latin America and building on the more than 20 awards that the B-segment hatchback has conquered in Europe since its launch, on which market it also remains a sales success and be one of the key models that pushed the rapid recovery of the Italian brand.

The Inter-American Car of the Year prize of IFAP will be awarded during a ceremony on 21st November to be held in the city of Panama and which will be sponsored by the Panamanian Tourism Institute (IPAT) with the co-operating sponsorship of Copa Airlines.

With a fresh new design and introducing onboard technology previously unheard of in South America, the Fiat Grande Punto arrived in Brazil during the second week of August. The Grande Punto is being manufactured at Fiat Brazil's Betim plant, the first time the B-segment car has been built outside Italy, while under the skin and inside it differs significantly from the version that has taken the European markets by storm since it arrived in September 2005. Since its late August arrival in the showrooms it has rapidly built up a waiting list.