Fiat India announced its intent to increase focus on exports on Wednesday. As part of its new focus on exports, the company has already started exports of Fiat Linea to Sri Lanka.
Speed Italia will take charge of the company’s dealership in Sri Lanka and the inauguration has been set for September 29. The first batch of cars which is set for the export comprises of 72 cars of which 50 cars have been allotted to the Sri Lankan Air Force officials on delivery at the time of the inauguration.
Growth opportunities
As part of this strategy, Fiat has also begun testing new growth opportunities overseas with sharp focus on countries such as Bhutan and Australia as well which are both right hand drive countries.
The car market size in Sri Lanka is around 20,000 units a year. “We have targeted to achieve five per cent in the first year itself,” the company said in a statement.
The company commenced its exports to South Africa now, and early this year commenced exports to Nepal. The exported batch of Linea is similar to the one driven on Indian roads.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said, “The exports of the Linea to Sri Lanka plays a significant role in reaching out to the international markets and establishing our presence globally.
“We are confident that we will be able to procreate the success of this car overseas as well and thereby expand our footprint and brand identity across markets. This is a step in the direction of reaffirming our position as an international auto giant.”