Fiat India Automobiles , the joint venture of Fiat and Tata Motors, has despatched the first batch of 100 Lineas from its plant in Ranjangaon near Pune.Targeting at the premium C-segment, Linea have already reached 50 of the 65 dealerships under the Tata Fiat brand across the country.
More Lineas will be seen in these outlets in the coming days even though its official launch is in mid-January.Early despatching of cars to the showroom, is clearly part of a brand building approach intended to pave the way for a faster booking schedule.
The Linea will be available in both petrol and diesel versions.Linea is considered to be more significant because it is the first manufactured model from the Ranjangaon facility in contrast to the Cinquecento (Fiat 500), which is directly imported and costs a handful thanks to the 100 per cent plus import duty.
The next model that will be part of the manufacturing agenda is the Grande Punto sometime in the first quarter of 2009-10. Prior to this will be the Bravo which, like the Cinquecento, is also being imported. Fiat is seriously looking at Ranjangaon as a strategic global base for small cars. The plant could also be home to the affordable car, which is now at the drawing board stage. This car is intended for Europe but will not sport the Fiat badge.