Indian Autos blog

Fiat Linea owner and our good friend Gokulraj GK (of ZapStore.com) received an envelope from Fiat India a few days ago.

Fiat India has issued a letter of assurance to its existing customers after it ended its relationship with Tata Motors on the retail and distribution departments, to establish stand-alone dealerships across India.

The Indian operation of Fiat is ready to take the brand to the next level, but to do so, it needs at least 18 months.

Recently Fiat ended its joint venture with Tata Motors at the retail level wherein Fiat branded models were sold at 166 Tata-Fiat showrooms across 126 cities. The joint venture continues to exist in the manufacturing level but Fiat is working on a new retail plan of independent dealers.

On its website, Fiat India automobiles has issued a statement that confirms the inauguration of its first independent dealership in India days after its divorce in retail and distribution with Tata Motors, in Hyderabad. Tejaswi Motors, at Punnaiah Plaza, is a 5,400 sq ft showroom with a frontage of 80 feet is opened by an existing Tata-Fiat dealer.

Fiat India is developing a new dealer network in 20 cities and is likely to make new product announcements only after these dealer showrooms are inaugurated.

We followed the Suzuki-VW relationship quite closely right from its inception as we expected great things out of it.

However, things did not go as we would have hoped. If you have been following the auto industry with a keen eye, you are well aware that Suzuki has decided to part ways with VW. The implication of the break up is quite clear – Suzuki has signed an agreement with Fiat for the supply of Fiat’s 1.3-liter Multijet four-cylinder to Maruti Suzuki.

Sources have revealed to IndianAutosBlog.com that the formal ceremony to mark the opening of Fiat’s first brand store in India is likely to be held on the 6th of January. Fiat has decided skip the Auto Expo and will launch its MY2012 Linea and Punto models on the 3rd in a different location.

Shortly after these models have been introduced, it will open the brand store, a new concept for a mass market brand, to the public.

A giant hoarding during the launch of the Fiat 500 in Berlin back in 2008

The first brand store, rumored to be in Connaught place, is where customers and fans of the Italian car maker can learn about its rich history and product lines. The display area could have special visitors in the form of imported cars and theme cars.

Depending upon the response the first store generates, Fiat could put up similar brand stores in other parts of the country to raise the awareness of Fiat products, design, technology and heritage. It is created to serve future customers and fans an experience of Fiat brand. Fiat could give visitors a taste of Italy with authentic snacks and coffee, the source adds.

Recently we brought you a story on how the Tata-Fiat JV is in turmoil. Now Fiat’s big boss has spoken the harsh words. Sergio Marchionne, Fiat CEO has told the WallStreet journal that he is unhappy with the Tata-Fiat joint venture and has plans to take steps to change the relationship. Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne Marchionne – We gave to them the right to distribute and in some areas  [ Read More ]

We all are aware of that the Tata-Fiat JV has received constant flak from the customers. But now even the top management is criticizing the working of the partnership. Bloomberg reported that Carl-Peter Forster, CEO and managing director of Tata Motors Ltd made a comment that he is “not happy” with the rate of Fiat sales and is considering ways to restructure the partnership. This statement has sent chills down  [ Read More ]

No, we don’t have plans to open any exclusive showrooms. We already have done 175 dealerships with Tata Motors, I don’t think there is a need to expand at this point.

Fiat India’s CEO Rajeev Kapoor replies to Motoroids’ Amit Chhangani when he asked about exclusive Fiat dealerships in our country.