Fiat eyes sale of 25,000 units; 1% market share this year
will see a massive string of inaugurations to take the total number of dealerships to 65 by March-end and 100 by the end of the year.
Explaining the reason for calling off the alliance with the Tatas, Atanasio said that though the partnership was a good one, there was a need to take the brand to the next level. He also pointed out the benefits Fiat derived through its erstwhile partner and said that at least 30 of its dealerships are from Tata Motors, where the dealer expanded to include a Fiat showroom as well.
Asked about the impact of the recent policy movements on the diesel front, which is the Fiat's portfolio's major focus, Atanasio said that diesel is "unstoppable" given its benefits. A few customers will move to petrol, but it is not a concern, since diesel would still comprise more than 50 percent of new sales, he said.
The Pune plant has an installed capacity for 1,30,000 units per year which can be expanded to 2,00,000 units, he said, adding the Tatas also plan to use the facility as an export hub.
Last year, Fiat exported a "few hundred units" to South Africa, Nepal and Sri Lanka from the plant, he said, stressing that going forward, it would focus on meeting domestic demand.
The company also has plans to launch its own entry-level SUV here by 2015, he said, without giving any details.
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