Fiat, the Italian automobile giant, announced that along with alliance partner Chrysler, it would launch nine models in India over the next four years.
The products will include refreshed models by Fiat and products from Chrysler’s Jeep range, including the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mike Manley, COO, Asia and President & CEO-Jeep Brand, said, “Our vision for India will revolve around a three-pronged strategy. First, we will be introducing new vehicles including the Jeep brand, second would be expansion of our independent dealer network, and finally, strong marketing initiatives to improve awareness and brand perception.”
Without giving product prices, Jeep said it would launch the ‘D segment’ Jeep Wrangler and ‘E segment’ Grand Cherokee in the third quarter of 2013. These will be imported as completely built units (CBUs). Jeep will also launch SUVs in the B segment in 2015 and in C segment in 2016 and these will be made at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility.
Small sports car
From its own stable, Fiat will launch the new Punto, a compact SUV, the new Linea Classic and a new Linea in 2014. It plans to launch its small sports car Fiat Abarth here, and as is the case in several other markets, the Abarth will have a separate sales channel.
Fiat, which is in India through Fiat Group Automobiles India, has invested 2.29 billion euros (around Rs. 16,200 crore) so far. “We plan to increase our dealer network to 112 new independent dealers across 126 cities with 39 authorized service centres,” said Enrico Atanasio, Managing Director, Fiat Group Automobiles India.
