Upcoming Models of Fiat in India

Fiat as we all now is a successful car brand that has crossed 100 years of its drive. Fiat carries a high reputation of its brand in the international market. It is the only car manufacturer who was honoured with the title “European Car of the Year" not just once but number of times.

A little peep into its initial stages say that in the year 1900, Fiat started its first factory was in Corso Dante with 150 workers and manufactured 24 cars. The stylish logo of Fiat with- oval on a blue background was accepted in 1904, which was designed by Biscaretti (a senator involved in the establishment of Fiat).

Fiat the name is not new to the Indian car industry. It is one of the oldest brands of cars in India. In olden days Fiat cars were regarded as the style and symbol of status. The car major first entered India with its Fiat Padmini. However, it is sad to know that Fiat failed to prove itself in the Indian car industry and did not bear any fruits of success in earlier days. With the latest cars entering the Indian car industry offering innovative technology and design, Fiat Padmini started loosing its importance.

In India Fiat experienced various hurdles like dealership, customer care, and spare parts etc, which in turn resulted the sales negatively. This further hindered the company from performing in the Indian car industry.

This incident did not break the European car brand and Fiat re-entered the Indian car industry with a very strong and confident base. It rolled out Fiat Uno but again it failed to impress the Indian buyers. Fiat took this as a challenge and decided to roll out more cars to India. The brand then launched another car with better performance and improved drivability called Fiat Palio. This time the luck was on the Fiat's side and the car received an impressive response by the Indians and clicked in the Indian market.

In India, Fiat has signed an agreement with Indian car major Tata Motors for the marketing. Till date all their models have been fruitful so far. Tata Dealers therefore have turned into the Fiat car dealers. Fiat was successful in changing its brand image in India from being one of the unsuccessful brands of the earlier days to the smart and stylish brand.

The car has rolled out new models to India and carries more cars in the list for future. The cars awaiting immediate launch in India are Fiat Grande Punto, Fiat Bravo from small car segment and Alfa Romeo from the sedan class.

Fiat Grande Punto

Though it has not made its presence in the Indian market yet, it has already a grand success in the European market, Grande Punto is another offering from the small car segment to India by Fiat. It is said that car that would be manufactured in India and sold through Fiat-Tata dealer network. The small car is expected to challenge the other cars of its class with roomy interior, stylish exterior, affordability and unmatched performance.  It is expected to come with a1.2 and 1.4 petrol and the 1.3 Multijet diesel with the price range of 5 to 6 lakhs.

Fiat Bravo

This hot looking hatchback is said to foray the small car segment in India. Sporting with classic Italian design Bravo will be seen with a 1.9-litre Multi-jet turbo diesel and 1.4-litre petrol engine. Bravo would be brought to India as completely built unit and will be positioned against Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo ((to be launched), Fiat Bravo is powered by a 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet diesel unit. Sadly just like the Fiat 500, Bravo too will be heavy on pockets with the price tag of around 20 lakh).

Fiat Alfa Romeo

The Fiat Alfa Romeo will be also brought to India as a completely built unit. The car which was showcased at the 9th Auto Expo in Delhi in Jan 2008 is said to be the one of the fastest car from Fiat product line. The Alfa Romeo is a great combination of sportiness, technology, and an elegant design. For India, the model is said to come with a 2.5-litre V6 diesel engine with an output of 188 bhp. It will be also seen in 150 bhp 1.9-litre multi-jet petrol engine. The imported model is expected to have an estimated starting price of Rs 25 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).