Fiat Punto Abarth, Avventura crossover launched at Rs 9.95 lakh

New Delhi: Italian-American auto major Fiat Chrysler Automobiles today launched two performance oriented products - premium hatchback Punto Abarth and crossover Avventura powered by Abarth - priced at Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The two new products are part of the company's revival strategy plans in India where it has been struggling to win consumers.

"All these are part of the jigsaw that we are putting together. We are understanding what is needed for Fiat to be great again in India," Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India President and Managing Director Kevin Flynn said.

He said the Abarth Punto is designed indigenously and is a "homegrown, home engineered" product that is targeted at racing enthusiasts.

The Abarth Punto, powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine, delivers power of 145 hp.

Flynn said the company is also widening and strengthening its product portfolio with the introduction of Avventura powered by Abarth, also powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine with a power of 140 hp.

"We are confident that these two new category defining models from Fiat stable would catch the fancy of car enthusiasts and perk up sales during the festive season," Flynn added.

Stating that India forms a "massive part" of the company's plans, he said, "we are really determined to bring more upmarket products here."

In August this year, the company launched its premium sports hatchback Abarth 595 Competizione priced at Rs 29.85 lakh.

In July, Fiat Chrysler announced it would invest USD 280 million (over Rs 1,780 crore) in its manufacturing joint venture with Tata Motors to support production of Jeep model which is expected to roll out in the second quarter of 2017.

Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, will be the fourth plant outside the US for volume production of Jeep vehicles. Jeep branded vehicles are currently manufactured in Italy and Brazil and the company will begin production in China in the fourth quarter of 2015.

At present, Fiat has a capacity to produce 1.35 lakh cars per annum from the plant. In 2014, Fiat Chrysler had announced plans to launch 12 models in India in five years.

Commenting on Fiat India's future product launches, Flynn said a model below existing Punto is imminent, which will be more affordable.

"It will be a derivative to what we have got. It will be launched very soon," he said without sharing details.

Overall, he said the company is still working on the long term product plans for the Indian market.

He said the Abarth will be a 'halo' over the Fiat brand to help boost the image in India.

When asked about mistakes in the erstwhile distribution partnership with Tata Motors, Flynn declined to comment saying that they are focusing on present and ensuring a sustainable business not only for the company but also for its dealers while offering customers their choice of vehicles.

Flynn, who has been heading Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India close to seven months, said a lot of efforts have been made and "we are finding the elements which are going to be the solutions" to solve the company's problems in India.

On whether the company will be ready to manufacture 1.6 litre diesel engines for supply to Maruti Suzuki India as it is doing for 1.3 litre, he said: "Our power train manufacturing strategy for a range of products is under development and if there are customers for it, we will evaluate as we go forward."