The trend of major car-makers bringing in their premium brands to the Indian market seems to have caught up with the Italian car marque, FIAT, as well and they are planning to bring in a total of nine new products (including two iconic premium brands) to the country within a period of three years.
The company has confirmed that they are considering bringing brands like Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler to the country in about three years’ time. But before that, the next biggest introduction to the market from FIAT will be the racing car brand, Abarth, by next year.
According to a senior FIAT official, the brand Jeep will be introduced in the Indian market by the end of next year, followed by two other important launches in 2015 and 2016. The company also has plans to localise Jeep products in B and C segments’ compact SUVs. The decision to bring in products in the small SUV segment specifically shows that the company has realised the growth prospects in this recently defined segment. Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler would also bring in products to establish their presence in D and E, full-grown SUV segments. Besides, the company has promised to bring in other new or ‘significantly refreshed’ period under consideration. Apart from much expected launches like a refreshed Linea, a compact Grande Punto and a newgeneration Linea, the company also disclosed the development of a compact SUV to add to the FIAT line-up in India. The compact SUV will compete with the much-awaited and talked-about Ford EcoSport.
