Fiat India, the Indian unit of the Italian car maker, recently announced to dissolve the agreement made with Tata Motors for providing dealer distribution solutions through the combined Tata Fiat outlets across the country. The automaker has decided to go solo in terms of offering sales and service solutions to its customers in India and is aiming to set up a dealership distribution network of over 100 sales and service outlets in a span of 12 to 18 months.
As per Mr. Enrico Atanasio, Fiat Commercial Head, who was present at the unveiling of the company's second exclusive sales and service outlet in Pune named Fiat Cafe quoted that the process of transition is targeted to be accomplished within the next 12 to 18 months. He also said that on the completion of the 18 months, the company is estimating to establish over 80 to 100 outlets evenly distributed amongst 55-66 cities in India and dealership network will commence with prioritising top 35 cities in the country.
Mr. Atanasio further added, "Today we have just 0.7 per cent of the Indian market and we are not satisfied with this. In the next two to three years, we can grow to 1.5 per cent level."
Fiat India has ended the 5 year old distribution partnership with Tata Motors that jointly sold Fiat models through the 166 exclusive Tata Fiat showrooms and is gearing up to elevate the brand popularity in the Indian auto market with setting up of dedicated sales and service centres under the Fiat badge.
