Fiat-Tata venture plans 4 models

Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited, a joint venture between Fiat and Tata Motors, unveiled its line of new cars and logo for the Indian market on Wednesday. The joint venture proposes to launch four of its models, including Linea, Grande Punto, Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) and Bravo.

Of the four cars that it plans to introduce in the Indian market, the Linea and the Grande Punto would roll out of Fiat and Tata's common manufacturing facility at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra. The carmaker plans to import the Fiat 500 and Bravo as completely built units (CBUs).

'We will make a point-to-point sale for the Fiat 500 and Bravo. We will directly approach the customer and arrange for all necessary formalities involved in importing a CBU,' said Rajeev Kapoor, chief executive officer, Fiat India Automobiles.

According to the company officials, the Fiat and Tata would together invest around ₹4,000 crore to upgrade the Ranjangaon facility that would eventually produce over 100,000 cars and 200,000 car engines and transmissions systems.

Tata Motors managing director Ravi Kant said: 'The common manufacturing facility will not be restricted in any sense. Cars manufactured here could be sold in India or abroad.' On being asked if the Tata's were planning to explore foreign markets along with Fiat, Kant said: 'Through the joint venture, we are actively pursuing opportunities in some geographies, though there are no concrete plans yet.'