Fiat India has finally taken a much requested move to replace their AC systems in a number of their models, specifically with its two petrol based models 1.2 Punto and 1.4 Linea. The increased customer voices about sub-par cooling made the company to take the initiative of re-designing the complete HVAC system.
The company is expected to be done with this process by 2011 March end. Existing customers are being called by the company itself to come and replace their faulty Air conditioning system via its dealers across the country.
A similar initiative was taken by Hyundai too for its much celebrated car i20, which too has issues with its cooling system. However, in the latter case, the cooling systems were not replaced but the company proposed i20 ECM reprogramme to enhance AC performance.
Except the initiative taken to replace the flawed a/c system for the sold-out cars, the company has decided to fit all new air-conditioning systems with the fresh cars. They will thus come with a beefed up condenser and variable compressor.
On the whole, we feel Fiat has handled the issue well. It has been a good call and will probably enhance its goodwill and respect in the marketplace.
