The Hindu Business Line : Fiat Auto plans India launch of Linea in 2008

Istanbul May 4 Fiat Auto SpA has launched the much-awaited India-bound C-segment car, the Fiat Linea in Istanbul. Besides Turkey, the car would be manufactured and launched in Brazil (September-2007), Russia (January-2008), India (2008) and China (2008) respectively.

The C-segment car will be available with (1.4-litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel) engine options. As a price indicator for the forthcoming Indian market, in Turkey, the vehicle is available in the price range of 15,000-21,000. It has a localisation level of 60 per cent though the Indian model is likely to have a higher local content as the powertrain would be manufactured locally said Mr Giovanni De Fillippis, Managing Director, Fiat India. The sedan will be manufactured at Fiat India's plant at Ranjangaon.

The second most important model after the Grande Punto, the Fiat Linea is expected to attain 2,80,000 units of sales by 2012 of which India, a prominent player in this project, is expected to cross 50,000-60,000 units on an annual basis by 2012. The current C-segment in India is around 2,00,000 units, which is expected to double in 5 years said senior officials.

Besides the domestic market, there is high potential of India becoming the hub for the RHD (right hand drive) markets in the world said Mr Sergio Marchionne, head of Fiat Group. Likewise, the country may become the export hub for the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3- litre powertrains for certain markets in the near future.

The Grande Punto that is to be manufactured and launched in India in 2008 may be exported to nearby RHD countries in South East Asia said Mr Fillipis.