 "Fiat India bets big on new launches")
Recently, Fiat has introduced the face lift model of Linea at the starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Along with this, Abarth 500, New Punto and Avventura are expected to be launched later in the year.
Nagesh Basavanhalli, president and managing director, Fiat Chrysler India operations said, “The New Linea launched earlier this month has strengthened our position in the mid-size sedan segment. We have a strong line-up of cars this year that expands the product portfolio and shows our commitment to growth in India. India is one of the important strategic markets for the Fiat Chrysler group and we have already shown our commitment by opening 100 plus dealership across the country in a span of just over one year.”
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The New Fiat Linea and Abarth 500 along with Fiat Avventura were earlier unveiled at the Auto Expo 2014.
According to Basavanhalli Fiat India has made a significant growth in sales from last eight months.
As a part of its three pillar strategy which focuses on service and dealership network, the company has expanded dealer network and made available its spare parts at affordable price.
It has a target of appointing 150 dealers by the end of December 2014 from current 108 dealers.
Fiat is also eying the Indian SUV market and will launch a new model ‘Wrangler’ and iconic ‘Cherokee’ Jeep brands this year.
The company will distribute Fiat and Jeep vehicles in India through an independent dealer network.
At Ranjangao plant, Fiat manufactures 1.35 lakh car engines per annum and supplies to major OEMs like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Fiat India itself. It has a installed capacity of manufacturing 3 lakh car engines in Ranjangaon facility.