The Hindu

NEW DELHI, Jan 17: Fiat India Automobiles (FIA) on Friday launched its luxury sedan Linea, and announced plans to introduce two hatchbacks — Grande Punto and Bravo — in the Indian car market this year.

The petrol versions of Linea are priced between Rs. 5.98 lakh and Rs. 6.98 lakh, while the diesel variants are priced between Rs. 6.88 lakh and Rs. 8.10 lakh.

Launching the luxury sedan, FIA CEO Rajeev Kapoor said: “The launch of the Linea is first in the line of three launches that Fiat will undertake this year, the other two being Bravo and Grande Punto. With this car, we hope to make inroads in the C plus segment.

‘Strong success’

The car has met with strong success across the world and although Linea has been designed with a strong Italian style, we have also taken into consideration local Indian taste and requirements and have incorporated this into the Indian Linea.” Both petrol and diesel versions of Linea have three variants each.

Stating that ‘fully integrated robotised engine’ (FIRE) will power the petrol version of the Linea, and the diesel version is equipped with the advanced new generation multi-jet engine, Mr. Kapoor said the car would be retailed through a select 70 Tata-Fiat dealer outlets.

According to Fiat Group Automobiles International Chief Operating Officer Silverio Bonfiglioli, they have identified India as a future hub for sourcing components.

“We will buy auto parts worth 250 million euro from the country by next year for its European operations. We will start deliveries from this year and by next year we will be sourcing components for car and other divisions,” he added.