Fiat keeps Multipla; MPV is on hold.

Fiat Auto has suspended plans for a much-needed, Stilo-based compact minivan.

Instead, Fiat will redesign the low-volume Multipla that had not been scheduled for replacement.

Meanwhile, plans to offer an MPV based on the smaller Punto have been delayed by six months.

Fiat's MPV strategy is revealed in a highly detailed, seven-year future product plan, copies of which were obtained by Automotive News Europe.

The internal documents also show that Fiat intends to launch its first-ever compact sport-utility in 2004, and is also putting lots of resources into its resurgent ...