Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited (FGAIPL), a completely owned division of Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, Italy, is planning to two-fold its current market share by introducing three new models in the auto market. Reportedly, the new launches will include a car model and two jeeps, which will surely pull volumes for the auto maker. The car model is expected to be ‘Punto Abarth’, which is believed to enter the Indian auto market somewhere in late first half of 2013. Besides, the launch of ‘Wrangler’ and ‘Cherokee’ jeep brands would take place somewhere in October this year, as confirmed by senior company officials.
As per reports, the ‘Punto Abarth’ will be produced at the auto maker’s Ranjangaon unit in Maharashtra. In order to meet the demands of a large number of buyers, the Italian auto maker will be launching its new hatchback in both diesel and petrol guises, whereas the jeep brands are expected to be brought as Completely Built Units (CBUs).
Reportedly, the total size of car market in India is 2.13 lakh units per month, wherein Fiat India rejoices with just 0.5 per cent market share and is now looking ahead to double the figures. Speaking on the same lines, the Managing Director of FIAT Group Automobiles India, Enrico Atanasio was quoted as saying, “We are confident that we will touch 1 per cent by 2013 end.”
He further said that the auto maker is also looking ahead to introduce new models in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment by the end of 2015. Along with the launch of new models, the car maker is planning to increase the number of its exclusive dealerships to 65 by March 2013 and 110 by the end of this year. Currently, the auto maker is marketing its models with just 20 dealerships in the country. The Indian product portfolio of Fiat offers two models, namely Linea and Punto, which are produced under the partnership of Tata-Fiat.
Industry experts believe that the launch of new models in the Indian auto industry will surely change the game for Fiat as it has not been able to create much impact on the hearts of Indian buyers as of now.
