Fiat Outlines Growth Plan for India

Fiat SpA is expanding its dealer network in India to 150 outlets by the end of this year from 116 locations at the end of 2013 as it begins to expand its local product offerings.

Fiat had expected to introduce its Jeep SUV brand in India last year. But it suspended the plan because of India's weakened market. Now the company says the brand will debut in India next year with the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models.

The two Jeeps are part of Fiat's plan to launch 12 models in India over the next five years. The company currently imports the Linea sedan and restyled Fiat Punto Evo premium small five-door hatch. Combined sales of the two cars is about 1,000 units per month.

Fiat will add a sporty variant of the Punto called Avventura in October and the Fiat 500 Abarth small sedan by year-end.

The company intends to local kit assembly of the Grand Cherokee and Abarth 500 at its factory in Ranjangaon. The company expects to expand its domestic production capacity to 245,000 units by 2018 from about 135,000 units currently.