As predicted earlier fiat are all set to launch the Grande punto in India only after the Linea launch.The linea should be available in the Indian markets by September 2008 while the Grande punto would be out in the early part of 2009.
The grande punto would be competing in the premium hatchback category and would be priced on the lines of the Skoda fabia if not a notch higher.Maruti swift should continue to remain the cheapest offering in the segment for some time to come.
What this also means is that just like NDTV predicted the Linea would be competing more with D-segment sedans in terms of pricing atleast since Fiat will not price the Grande Punto and the Linea at around the same price tag otherwise nobody would head towards the Grande Punto.
It would be interesting to note how people accept Fiat as a premium brand in India but whatever happens its Tata who shall be the winner once again with Fiat cars not competing with Tata in the economy segment and Tata ensuring a presence in the premium segment with the help of Fiat.
For people interested in the future of the Palio,the Palio is going to be around atleast for a year or two and fiat plan to launch a CNG version by next year.
[Source:Sify]
