The Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat’s Indian arm Fiat India has introduced the ‘Absolute’ limited editions of the Punto hatchback and the Linea mid-size sedan in India ahead of the upcoming festival season with the aim of boosting its sales. The carmaker’s car sales have been plummeting downhill ever since 2011 as part of the slowdown in the Indian automobile market which has been plaguing almost all auto players in the industry.
The Absolute editions of the Punto and the Linea have been launched for a limited time period and feature customized accessory packs including a touch screen GPS navigator enabled with 3G tablet and smartphone functionality, Linea and Punto branded door sill, reverse parking sensors, contoured splash guards and carpets. The limited edition car models also feature the ‘Absolute’ exterior branding. There would be no extra cost for all these features and the price would be the same for these cars as for the existing models.
Apart from there features, the Italian auto major is also providing an exchange bonus and free roadside assistance. Auto insurance is also being offered by Fiat at a discounted rate. According to Mr. Ravi Bhatia Head Business Development Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited, these limited editions have been introduced celebrate this festive season by offering additional features and benefits in its car models to customers at the same price.
The general consumer sentiments have been low with respect to the hike in petrol price and the high interest rates resulting in higher cost of ownership of a car. Fiat is among many other carmakers who are trying to offer discounts and benefit schemes to customers to revive the economic activity in the India auto market.