October 21, 2008 - Fiat Automóveis will present at the 25th Salão Internacional do Automóvel, which is set to take place from 30 October up to 10 November in São Paulo, a brand new concept car, that has been dubbed the Bugster, and which has been totally developed by automotive engineering division of the Italian carmaking brand in Brazil.
Bugster is a vehicle that seeks to unite two concepts that are very relevant today, the environment and fun, as it is a rich mixture of ecologically-correct components as well as being a fun car to drive. Besides the futuristic design, the concept is fitted with a zero-emission producing electric engine, and its bodyshell is constructed using only natural fibres, renewable sources that have less impact on the environment, and nanotechnology to build lighter and more resistant pieces.
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Following its cues from its competitors in India like GM, Hyundai, etc, Fiat S.p.A. is weighing the possibilities of earmarking its Ranjangaon plant near Pune as a global base for some of its models, especially small cars that are meant for Europe and other developed countries. Fiat India Automobile Private Limited (FIAPL) is also keen to establish a full-fledged R&D centre in the country, in association with its joint venture partner Tata Motors. Currently, the Indian arm of the Turin-based company has developed a small R&D unit at its existing plant dedicated to testing of its current models.
“It eventually boils down to standardisation of volumes. Perhaps our own low-cost car for Europe could even be made in India,” said Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of the Fiat group. “This facility has the infrastructure to build the Fiat brand in India. It can be an integral part of the manufacturing footprint of Fiat worldwide and that is a big issue for us,” he said.
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Mumbai: Fiat India may reschedule the launch of its forthcoming product range. The company is considering launching the Fiat Linea first and then the Grande Punto, Giovanni de Filippis, Managing Director, Fiat India, said.
Earlier, the company had announced plans of launching the Grande Punto first, followed by the Linea. However, at that time the Linea was not launched.
The company’s evaluation on launching the Linea first is primarily due to the growing C-plus segment. As of now, the segment has grown to 18,000-plus units on a monthly basis. This is likely to grow further. Moreover, the company, when it launched the Fiat Linea globally, has targeted to attain sales of 2,80,000 units by 2012 of which India, a prominent player in this project, is expect to cross 50,000-60,000 units on an annual basis by 2012.
The C-segment car will be available with (1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel) engine options. As a price indicator for the forthcoming Indian market, in Turkey, the vehicle is available in the price range of Turkish Liras 15,000-21,000. It has a localisation level of 60 per cent though the Indian model is likely to have a higher local content as the powertrain would be manufactured locally, said De Filippis.
The sedan will be manufactured at Fiat India’s plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra.
Besides the domestic market, there is high potential of India becoming the hub for the RHD (right hand drive) markets in the world, De Filippis said. Likewise, the country may become the export hub for the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3- litre powertrains for select markets in the near future.
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