Fiat has picked up an award from a committee of experts for having the leanest production plant in the world.

The firm's facility at Pomigliano D'Arco, Italy has been named the winner of this year's prestigious Automotive Lean Production 2012 award in the original equipment manufacturer category, beating competition from a host of firms across 15 countries.

"It is a major acknowledgement that pays homage to all the men and women who work in Pomigliano and who in recent years have contributed to re-establish the factory," commented Stefan Ketter, chief manufacturing officer at Fiat.

In total, more than 700 facilities around the world were assessed by the judges, who themselves were chosen by German publication Automobil Produktion and consultancy firm Agamus Consult.

Meanwhile, Fiat achieved a significant milestone last month with the sale of its 100,000th Fiat 500 model in the UK – highlighting the ongoing popularity of the brand among buyers.

Find out more about the Shell fuel card and start saving now.

Posted by Sarah Godfrey