Italian auto maker Fiat has been making headlines in recent times due to speculations about introduction of new models in Indian market. Sources claim that Fiat has devised a lot of plans for India in order to increase its market share and popularity. To facilitate growth and further increase stronghold, Fiat has decided to expand its dealership network in the country. According to reports, the internationally acclaimed brand has taken a strong step forward towards this plan by opening three new dealerships in the country. Interestingly, all the three outlets have been opened in Mumbai, capital city of Maharashtra and a major commercial hub of the country. Reportedly, this inauguration took place on the 18th of November. Industry experts feel that this move is likely to benefit the firm in the long run and will add to its popularity, particularly in Mumbai.
Sources close to this development claimed that a lot of top officials from the firm were present at the inauguration. Among these officials was Nagesh Basavanhalli, who is President and Managing Director for Fiat Chrysler India Operations. It is being said that the company is really excited about its prospects in the future and is looking forward to establishing a better customer-brand relationship. However, the main reason behind this expansion plan is the ending of its association with Tata Motors, one of the biggest brands in the country. A noteworthy point worth mentioning is that Fiat used to sell its cars through showrooms of the Indian manufacturer. Now, the end of this collaboration has resulted in reassessment of old strategies and application of new ones. Reports claim that the Italian car maker is hoping to take its dealership count to 100 in the country, which will be located in 35 cities in the country.
Sometime back, Fiat India opened a facility in Dapodi, Pune, called Milennium Drive Workshop. Incidentally, this was the firm's first exclusive workshop in the country, marking the beginning of Fiat's elaborate plans for the country. It is being said that this facility has top-class infrastructure including state-of-the-art equipment, technological advancements and a highly-skilled workforce. Reportedly, this workshop has a huge area, which helps in better handling of things. Also, Fiat has been focusing on providing customers with the best service and comfort levels.
As far as the new dealerships are concerned, they are located in Andheri (East), Navi Mumbai and Prabhadevi areas. These showrooms are named Torrent Motors, Esskay Motors and Navi Mumbai, sources have claimed. Mumbai is one of the major commercial hubs of India and is often referred to as the financial capital. Fiat targeting Mumbai is quite understandable as the growth potential for auto makers in the city is tremendous. Also, Mumbai has a large number of car aficionados, who love not only mass cars but top-end luxury vehicles as well. In fact, a good number of models from Ferrari, a sports car brand majorly owned by Fiat, can be spotted in Mumbai.
In recent times, a number of foreign car makers have been pretty active in facilitating growth by increasing showrooms. It has been seen in the past the lack of a strong dealership network has proven to be the nemesis for several brands. Also, successful foreign brands like Hyundai, Honda and Toyota have benefited hugely from an extensive showroom network.
