New models from Fiat coming soon

Just as the sales momentum picks up in Motown, international car majors like Volkswagen, Nissan and Fiat are re-energizing their small car plans in India.
After the small car launches from the Volkswagen and Nissan stable in 2010, Fiat will now come out with its own small car in 2011-12.

After tasting success with the Linea and the Punto, Italian auto major Fiat is busy working on a small car.
No, it’s not going to compete against the Nano but it will be positioned between the Nano and Grand Punto with a price tag of around Rs 4 lakh. The company is currently considering various engine options right from 900 cc to 1200 cc for the small car.

Silverio Bonfiglioli, COO of Fiat Group International, said, “One vehicle that you can sell is in the Rs 3-4.5 lakh category, one vehicle that is above the Nano and the 800 and that can compete with existing cars. I think there is a space for our company to have a car that has convenient price and value proposition."
For now, the focus is on launching powerful Linea's and Grande Puntos but the real volumes will kick in in 2011-12, once the small car below the Grande Punto hits the market. That's why the company is eyeing to sell 2,00,000 cars by 2012 with an aim of achieving 7-8 per cent market share.

But FIAT LCVs and premium cars are still sometime away.

" The ideal time for LCV launch is 2012-2014," said Bonfiglioli.

Meanwhile, the company will continue to build its network and manufacturing capabilities to create its own market in India and a strong base for exports of small cars.

Hyundai India to roll out diesel-powered i20 on July 7, 2009

Byoyed by the overwhelming response of the petrol-driven Hyundai i20 in the domestic market, Hyundai India is going a step ahead by launching its diesel variant on 7th July, 2009.

Likely to be fitted with a 1.4L common-rail diesel engine, the new variant is likely to be around 15-20 per cent pricier than the petrol-powered super-hatch, but will offer better fuel economy and improved drivability mainly due to the diesel engine’s higher torque output compared to the petrol.

Unconfirmed media reports also suggest that with the introduction of i20 diesel, Hyundai will also launch the 1.4L petrol version, to be available with an automatic transmission. It is to be mentioned that in the international market, Hyundai already sells i20 with 1.4 lire and 1.6 litre diesel engines.

Bringing Hyundai i20 with 1.4 litre diesel engine will qualify the company for the small car excise norms. However, the official company spokesperson refuses to comment on the engine specifications and other details. Once launched it would be pitted against Ford Fusion, the diesel versions of Maruti Swift & Ritz, Skoda Fabia, Fiat Grande Punto et al.



In India, the Hyundai i20 has managed to buck the trend and is still driving up volumes for the company. Even though the company had priced the i20 at Rs. 4.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), its bookings have exceeded the company’s expectations, thus propelling the company to ramp up its production. Though it could not be official confirmed, but sources have revealed that Hyundai India has increased its output from 1,000 units/ month to roughly 1,500-2,000 units per month.

Hyundai, which already has a market share of slightly more than 20 per cent in the passenger cars segment in India, is looking at scaling it up its market share to over 25 per cent by 2012. And for that, it is firming up plans to roll out new products in India, in order to strengthen and expand its portfolio of cars here.

Fiat Linea

In case, you are aspiring to purchase a new car with comfort on top of looks, then Fiat Linea is just right for you. Fiat, the Italian automaker, has made this small family car, keeping people’s predilection in mind. In the international market, Linea is expected to replace Marea - another sedan in the range of Fiat. Designed by Fiat Style Centre, the compact vehicle is priced between around Rs. 6,50,000 - 8,50,000.



Based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, Linea will also be manufactured in Turkey, China and Brazil, besides India. Regarding styling and engineering, the family car undoubtedly has an international look, though its elegant exteriors make it typically ‘Italian’. Fiat Linea could be aptly called a 4-door sedan which is sleek and stylish.

Engine
At Istanbul, Linea was launched worldwide with two petrol and two diesel engine versions. The diesel versions will accompany 1.3 multijet VGTdiesel engine in90 bhp tune,and an automatic gearbox variant, while the petrol versions will include a 1.4-litre, 100 bhp, and a 1.4-litre 120 bhp turbocharged mill. Linea will be found amongst the upper C-segment and the entry D-segment sedans, and is expected to contend with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia.



Exteriors and Interiors
Moreover, its generous dimensions boast of its class: Linea is 1.73 metres wide, 4.56 metres long, 1.5 metres tall, with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres and a 500 litre luggage compartment. Its interiors and interiors are well-aligned with each other, giving ample of room and superb comfort to the driver as well as passengers. Linea’s interiors are carefully designed and assembled, as regards the quality, comfort, practicality.

For right-hand drive versions of the Linea, India is on the roster of Fiat’s manufacturing center. Tata Motors has teamed up with Fiat to take up manufacturing and retailing Linea in India. Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra has been selected as the apt centre to produce the car. Linea would be exported to the countries like South Africa and Australia where right-hand drive markets is simply great. In conclusive terms, Fiat’s Linea, which is designed for sophisticated consumers, is swift and pleasurable to drive in every situation.


http://www.fiatlinea.in

Fiat India launches luxury sedan Linea at Jalandhar

Fiat India Automobiles (FIA) on Saturday launched its luxury sedan Linea here and announced plans to introduce two hatchbacks Grande Punto ( B segment car) and Bravo in the Indian car market this year.

The petrol versions of Linea are priced between Rs. 5.98 lakh and Rs. 6.98 lakh, while the diesel variants are priced between Rs. 6.88 lakh and Rs. 8.10 lakh, Tarun Khanna, head-Marketing said while launching the car here.

"The launch of the Linea is first in the line of three launches that Fiat will undertake this year, the other two being Bravo and Grande Punto. With this car, we hope to make inroads in the C plus segment", Khanna added.

"The car has met with strong success across the world and although Linea has been designed with a strong Italian style, we have also taken into consideration local Indian taste and requirements and have incorporated this into the Indian Linea," he said adding that both petrol and diesel versions of Linea have three variants each.

Claiming that 'fully integrated robotised engine' (FIRE) would power the petrol version of the Linea, and the diesel version is equipped with the advanced new generation multi-jet engine, Khanna said that the car would be retailed through a select 70 Tata-Fiat dealer outlets.

"We will buy auto parts worth 250 million euro from the country by next year for its European operations. We will start deliveries from this year and by next year we will be sourcing components for car and other divisions," he added.