The Hindu : Fiat launches upgraded Palio version

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 04, 2002

Business

Business

Fiat launches upgraded Palio version

By Our Staff Correspondent

MUMBAI OCT. 3. To celebrate the successful completion of one year from the launch of the Palio in September 2001 in India, Fiat India Private Ltd. (FIL) today announced an upgraded range of the model replacing its earlier line-up.

The upgrades in the Palio anniversary range include painted bumpers, a rear wheel arch carpet for all base versions, enhanced fabric upholstery design, a two-toned dashboard, seat belts for rear passengers and fifth door inner trim. Also, a new colour, `Hazel Grey', is being introduced.

The new anniversary range is priced at Rs. 3.70 lakhs for the Palio EL MS, Rs. 3.97 lakhs for the Palio EL PS, Rs. 4.30 lakhs for the Palio ELX, Rs. 4.55 lakhs for the Palio Sport and Rs. 5.32 lakhs for the Palio (1.6) GTX. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi and commercial deliveries will commence from October 7.

M. P. Bianchi, Chairman and Managing Director, FIL, while addressing a press conference here today said the company was considering the launch of a vehicle in the multi-utility vehicle (MUV) segment with `Doblo'. This model is now undergoing tests.

Also, Mr. Bianchi said FIL was hopeful of turning around in 2003 on the back of the change in perception following the Palio's launch last year. FIL totally sold 36,081 cars during September 2001-August 2002 as against 7,609 cars sold in the corresponding year ago period.

Total sales in September 2002 amounted to 1,503 cars, up from September 2001 figure of 1,382 cars. About 44 per cent of Fiat India's sales comes from the western part of the country, 34 per cent from the North and the East and 22 per cent from the South. More than 33,000 Palios have thus far been sold.

The localisation of the Palio has gone up from 75 per cent at the time of its launch to 88 per cent and Mr. Bianchi ruled out the possibility of any further localisation.

Mr. Bianchi was also confident that Palio sales would further increase once the diesel version is launched early in 2003.

A diesel Palio sporting a 1900 cc engine was also unveiled at the plant. FIL dealerships have increased from 51 to 66 to date and will touch 75 by the end of the year.

Speaking on the export possibilities for Palio, Mr. Bianchi said these were limited considering that there are only few right-hand drive markets worldwide. Fiat also has manufacturing facilities in some of the right-hand drive markets like Australia and South Africa.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Business