The Fiat Group's prestige brands are all set to arrive in India, revealed Alfredo Altavilla at the New Delhi Auto Expo, with Alfa Romeo imports starting this year to be followed by Maserati and Ferrari.

As part its strategy to aggressively reposition the Fiat brand in India, the Italian company has decided to roll out all its luxe brands in this market. First off the mark will be the Alfa Romeo, followed by the Maserati and finally the Ferrari.

Speaking to Economic Times, Fiat India vice-chairman Alfredo Altavilla said, “We will start importing the Alfa Romeo in 2008. The Maserati will be next followed by the Ferrari. We are in discussion with Tata Motors on dealers and distribution of these brands. We are looking at an interesting set up.”

Fiat’s super car line-up was always meant to be part of its Indian offering. “Fiat is committed to bringing all its brands to India,” said Tata Motors president (passenger vehicles) Rajiv Dube. Currently, the company is getting its product portfolio in order, phasing out old models and introducing new ones. “Subsequently we will see the entire brand bouquet coming to India,” Mr Dube said.

As part of its repositioning Fiat has planned an event around the Ferrari in spring. A group of journalists will drive Ferrari Scagliettis across India. “The idea is to catch the reaction to the brand after which we will plan its launch,” Mr Altavilla said.

Beyond the luxe brands, Fiat and Tata Motors are also looking to expand their relationship to key overseas markets. “We are actively pursuing some opportunities outside India and there are a lot of discussions going on,” said Tata Motors MD Ravi Kant. The two partners are also considering joint product development. “We are looking at some things for some markets,” Mr Kant said.

Meanwhile the joint venture will kick off operations at its new plant at Ranjangaon in May. The plant will start with the 1.3 litre diesel engine production first, followed by cars in September. It’s current capacity is 100,000 cars and 200,000 engines and gearboxes. “But we have plans to enhance this capacity,” Mr Altavilla said. Fiat will introduce the 1.3 litre Multijet diesel in the Palio this spring. The new Indica launched yesterday also shares that engine along with the new petrol engine from Fiat.

Report: Economic Times