2 min readNew DelhiJan 4, 2012 10:14 AM IST
First published on: Jan 4, 2012 at 10:14 AM IST
Italian carmaker Fiat,which is currently working on a plan to launch a small car in India,today rolled out new,upgraded versions of its existing Linea and Punto models.
The company,which operates in India through a 50:50 partnership with Tata Motors,plans to set up 22 exclusive showrooms for Fiat cars this year,primarily in big cities.
“The target for 2012 is to open 22 dedicated Fiat showrooms in agreement with Tata. The focus this year is to expand our dealership network across India,” Fiat India Automobiles President and CEO Rajeev Kapoor told reporters.
He said some of the company’s existing dealers operating showrooms that sell Tata and Fiat cars under one roof will open Fiat exclusive outlets during the course of the year.
At present,the 50:50 joint venture between Fiat and Tata Motors has a network of 167 dealers across India,he said.
Commenting on the new versions of the Fiat and Punto,Kapoor said: “After receiving feedback from customers,we are launching new models of Linea and Punto with upgraded air-conditioning systems and better ground clearance,in new colours and interiors.”
The new Punto models are priced between Rs 4.81 lakh and Rs 6.71 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and the Linea models will come with a price tag of Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 9.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The company is also evaluating the prospects for bringing a new car cheaper than its existing Punto to India from its global portfolio and customise it for the market here.
“To operate in the volume segment,we need a car which is below Punto (in pricing). Currently we are working on a plan to launch such a car in India… It will be an Italian car with India-specific features,” Kapoor said without providing further details or the expected timeframe for the launch.
The company is also opening Fiat Cafes in India to provide an enhanced retail experience to its consumers.
“We have set up two Fiat Cafes,one each in Delhi and Pune,and will open more across India depending on the consumers’ response,” Kapoor added.
Share
