Fiat’s Indian subsidiary, Fiat India told that to supply diesel engines for RiO, it is in talks with Premier. Regarding this, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO of Fiat India Automobiles reported that they are currently in talks with Premier to supply diesel engines. It will be the 1.3 litre multijet, 75 bhp engine which they are also supplying to Maruti Suzuki.
He said they are going to announce within a month about the number of engines and the duration of contract. This engine will be fitted in their compact SUV RiO.
Regarding Maruti’s supply, Mr. Kapoor said that the contract with Maruti is for three years under which they will supply one lakh units every year. He added that all engines to be supplied to Maruti and Premier will be produced at the company’s Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra.
Fiat plans to increase the number of exclusive showrooms in India with an aim of increasing its sales in the country. For this plan, Kapoor quoted that at present there are two exclusive showrooms, which will be ramped up to 25 in 20 locations by the end of this year. The exclusive showrooms will be opened by only those dealers which are currently operating joint showrooms with Tata Motors, he added.
Finally, Mr.Kapoor concluded that they will announce a detailed network and product strategy by the end of this month. After this year they will ramp the number of exclusive showrooms.