Fiat to expand presence in Indian auto market

Fiat to expand presence in Indian auto marketItalian auto major, FIAT is planning to boost its presence in the Indian market with the launch of new Chrysler models as well as some models from premium Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands.

FIAT had acquired a majority stake in US automaker, Chrysler about three years ago and will now launch modes under the brand in India to attract more customers. Chrysler officials recently traveled to India to prepare for the launch of SUV, Jeep Grand Cherokee in the country.

The model from Chrysler will be imported into the country through the CBU (completely built unit) route in a completely-knocked-down (CKD) condition and will be assembled at the Tata-Fiat manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon near Pune in Maharashtra.

According to some sources, the company is working on a blue print to increase its presence in the India market with the launch of new models. The launch might be independently by the Italian firm outside of its joint venture with India’s Tata Motors.

The joint venture is for manufacturing cars, transmissions and engines for the two companies. Fiat India CEO Rajeev Kapoor did not comment on the matter while a spokesperson for Chrysler said that the company has not announced any plans yet.