One of the oldest car brand to have been present in India, Fiat could no longer by there if sources are to be believed. As per unconfirmed reports, FCA, the parent of Fiat India Automobiles Ltd. are planning to phase out Fiat brand from India.
The reasons are many. But the one big reason, is the arrival of Jeep in India. Jeep is a recognized brand around the world. FCA plans to use this in their favour, and make Jeep as their main brand in India.
One of the first companies to arrive in India, Fiat never managed to take-off with the boom, which the automotive industry in India has been experiencing over the last 15 years. Their sales continue to remain dismal.
During the period April to July 2016, Fiat India sold just 2,150 units in the country which is in stark contrast to sales of Maruti Suzuki India which touched 4,48,104 units during the same period. Ironically, Fiat brand was established in the country much before Maruti Suzuki.
It is due to these diminishing sales that the future of Fiat India is probably under a cloud. Kevin Flynn, President and MD of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has rubbished the said report. He has said that the company is working on a host of options and will be making announcements of product plans in due course.
Fiat’s Premier Padmini was a common sight on Indian roads since the 1950s. It entered local production in 1970 but was stopped in 2000. The Fiat Punto, Evo and Linea then made their presence felt but with no plans of a facelift or any new products in the pipeline, the future of Fiat India is uncertain. On the other hand, Jeep will launch two new Made in India SUVs in the next 3 years, one in the under INR 20 lakh category, the other in under INR 10 lakh category.
via hindustantimes
