Fiat

Chrysler Group LLC is an American automobile manufacturer headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Principally owned by majority shareholder Fiat, Chrysler is one of the Big Three American automobile manufacturers. It sells vehicles worldwide under its flagship Chrysler brand, as well as the Dodge, Jeep cars and Ram brands; it also manufactures vehicles sold under the Fiat brand in North America. Other major divisions of Chrysler include Mopar, its automotive parts and accessories division, and SRT, its performance automobile division. In 2011, Chrysler Group (not including Fiat) was the twelfth biggest automaker in the world by production.

Now, Fiat cars is exploring the possibility of using its Indian operations as an export hub for the Chrysler Group. Fiat owns a 58% stake in Chrysler. Indications are that parts could be procured for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Once plans are finalized, India would manufacture 600,000 units for Chrysler, which will be exported to markets in the Asia Pacific region (out of this, 60,000 units are earmarked for India). Exports could begin as early as 2015. The move to setup an export base for Chrysler in India would also help provide the company with greater economies of scale when its Indian operations begin.

Right from the beginning of the year, there has been a lot of activity in the Italian marquee of Fiat. And that simple activity is gradually taking the form of absolute chaos that the auto-giant is ready to unleash on the Indian markets. What began with the unveiling ceremony of 2012 Fiat Linea at the Indian Auto Expo in January, has now reached the launch of some really high-tech festival versions of both, the Linea and the Grande Punto. Already known for their best-in-class gadgetry, these two cars have come in with a few brand-new and even better host of fitments that are usually flaunted by luxury-machines alongside their extravagant price tags. But as far as these 'Absolute' versions are concerned, Fiat India has brought in the Absolute versions with no extra cost. The current Fiat Linea price in India starts from Rs. 6.96 lakh to Rs. 9.35 lakh and for the Fiat Grande Punto price in India lies between Rs. 4.90 lakh to Rs. 7.36 lakh (prices mentioned are ex-showroom New Delhi). 

The hatchback segment of the country’s rewarding car market is said to be a money spinner for the car companies. The demand of Hatchback Cars is on the rise as these vehicles are said to be a perfect combination of power and luxury with an affordable price tag as well. In this segment, presently Diesel Cars are very much in demand with the recent increase in the petrol price, yet again. The eternal confusion as usual is that which hatchback is better among the numerous options available in the market. This comparison is among three of the most popular hatchbacks, the recently launched Fiat Grande Punto Sports, Volkswagen Polo and the popular Maruti Swift. The most important part of buying a car is its price and we will start the comparison with it. The Fiat Grande Punto Sports is tagged at Rs. 7.36 lakh, while Volkswagen Polo Price for its highline trim is Rs. 7.49 lakh and the Maruti Swift Price for its ZDi trim is Rs. 6.76 lakh (all prices mentioned are ex-showroom New Delhi). While the first two cars are closer to each other in terms of pricing, Maruti Swift is quite lesser. Let’s see the features of these vehicles as convenience and comfort is next in line after price.

Fiat India launched the Limited Edition Fiat Grande Punto 90 HP Sports variant in Pune. This is one of the most stunning Fiat Cars with amazing exteriors and a commanding diesel engine. The company has not stated the number of these cars they are going to make. This launch took place at the Pune’s Fiat Caffe located at the posh suburb of Koregaon Park. The company also inaugurated this Fiat Caffe along with the launch of this Punto Sports variant. This is the second Fiat Caffe of the country with the first one being in New Delhi and there are a total of only 12 such Fiat Caffe’s across the globe. The Limited Edition Fiat Grande Punto Price for sports is Rs. 7.36 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). There was no information what so ever from the company about this upcoming launch and everything was kept under wraps. Fiat India had launched their 2012 car models in the starting of the year and had not even given a hint regarding this sports variant coming up. The company had stated that they will be focusing on the expansion of their individual dealership network and will concentrate on brand building across the country. With the launch of this new sports variant, its competitors will feel the heat as this hatchback car is packed with top of the line features.

The Indian arm of the leading Italian luxury carmaker, Fiat India will be adding a sports edition model to their hatchback car model line today evening. This new variant has been christened as the Limited Edition Fiat Grande Punto. This has been a pleasant revelation for the Indian car market as Fiat India had already launched all their 2012 series car models during the start of this year itself. The company had also stated during the launches earlier, that they don’t have any plans what so ever of launching anymore new cars this year. Fiat India had further stated that they will be concentrating on increasing their outlets and also service centers across the country and building their brand value. Their new models to be launched earlier this year included the stunning 2012 Fiat Linea sedan car as well as their hatchback; 2012 Fiat Grande Punto. With this sudden announcement of the launch of this sports edition variant, the company has taken the entire automobile fraternity by surprise. Along with this car, the company is also inaugurating their second Fiat Caffe, which is located in the posh locality of Koregaon Park area in Pune, Maharashtra. Their first such exclusive outlet was opened in New Delhi in January this year. This is an exclusive place for car aficionados to come and browse through the glorious history of this remarkable automobile company, gain first hand information on their recently launched cars and also take a look at their precious collectibles and souvenirs, while enjoying a cup of the Italian Lavazza coffee.

Fiat India is the Italian car manufacturer which is consistently fighting hard to make its position in the Indian car market. Fiat cars in India include Fiat 500, hatchback Fiat Punto and sedan Fiat Linea. Fiat Punto and Fiat Linea play a major role in the overall sales of Fiat cars in India. It is expected that Fiat would introduce its facelift version of Fiat Linea. This Fiat Linea is being manufactured in Turkey. Facelift version of Fiat Linea would be totally upgraded in terms of interiors and exteriors. Fiat Linea pictures reveal that this facelift version is likely to have new head lamps and tail lamps, new front and rear bumpers and a lip spoiler.

All new Fiat Punto hatchback and Fiat Linea sedan finally arrives in the country before the much awaited automobile event, Auto Expo 2012, which would be held in New Delhi from 7^th to 11^th January 2011. No extreme makeover has been given to these Fiat cars, but both the cars come with some notable changes. Fiat Punto and Fiat Linea come powered with the standard 1.3 litre of diesel engine, which churns out the perfect amount of power and torque that in turns increases the fuel efficiency of the cars.

Fiat India has never been particularly happy with the dud sales of the Fiat Linea sedan and the Fiat Punto hatchback. The car maker was unable to push the sales of both the cars despite the festival offers in Ocotber. Discounts up to Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000 were offered on both the cars, but without any success and the Fiat employees' faces were as drooped as ever. Now, Fiat has more reasons than before to rejoice. One, the revamped versions of the Fiat Linea and Punto will bring about some change. The other is Fiat will have its very own dealership opened at New Delhi to show Tata Motors their place.

It might be possible that a compact SUV will be a boom to Indian Auto Market. Fiat is thinking over to introduce compact SUV in India. However, rumor has it that this compact SUV is expected to be the revised variant of Fait Sedici, which is sold by Fiat in Europe. It could be possible that Fiat will launch Fiat Sedici in India with some kind of modification according to the Indian roads. The manufacturing of Fiat Sedici is done by Suzuki Motors in Hungary and is based on SX4 platform. Till now, Fiat has not introduced SUV in the country. However, this firm does have Fiat Linea sedan and hatchback car Fiat Punto in India.