Fiat cancels Lancia's UK return

Lancia's return to the UK has been postponed indefinitely.

The company was due to put its Delta on sale here next year, marking the first time that a Lancia would have been sold in the UK since 1994.

However, a statement said: 'Given the current global economic crisis, Fiat Auto has taken the decision to delay the reintroduction of the Lancia brand in right-hand-drive markets beyond 2009.'

The decision is said to be based on fears that the market for the 20,000-plus Delta has been wiped out by the current financial situation.