INDUSTRIES Fiat do Brasil races towards international market Sílvio Ribas The Italian group's Brazilian subsidiary takes the lead in domestic sales, gaining impetus to increase its exports by 100% next year Shipment of Fiat vehicles: assuming the lead among international auto markers installed in Brazil. Some 25 years after setting up shop in the municipality of Betim, Minas Gerais state, Fiat SpA's Brazilian subsidiary has plenty of reasons to celebrate. First of all, the company has taken the lead in domestic sales of automobile and light commercial vehicles, ending the 41-year reign of its competitor Volkswagen. In 2001, Fiat Automóveis S.A. commercialized 415,654 units locally, guaranteeing the company a 28.1% market share, compared to the 27.2% reported by Volkswagen (403,604 units). From January to December, the total number of vehicles sold by all carmakers in Brazil amounted to 1,478,654 units. Enthusiastic with this feat and under new command, the company is now prepar...