Fiat India has announced its plans to open 22 dedicated Fiat showrooms in India in the year 2012. The company, as a part of the 50:50 joint venture between Fiat and Tata Motors, sells cars through the Tata Motors showrooms. According to Mr. Rajeev Kapoor Fiat India Automobiles President and CEO, the showrooms that currently sell both Tata and Fiat products will open exclusive Fiat showrooms during 2012. Tata Motors across India has a network of 167 dealers which operate as part of the joint venture with Fiat India.
The company is taking this step in agreement with Tata Motors in order to expand the dealership network in India. The company is currently developing and planning to launch a small car in India and has already launched new versions of the Linea sedan and the Punto hatchback with upgraded air-conditioning and better ground clearance.
Moreover, the company is also planning to rope in a car from its global portfolio to place below the Punto hatchback in order to cater to the volume segment. Such a car would be customized according to the requirements of the Indian market.
Apart from that, Fiat is also launching Fiat Cafes with a view to offer an enhanced Fiat specific retail experience to its customers. Two cafes have already been opened by the company in Delhi and Pune and will proceed further in accordance with the customer response to the two cafes.