Fiat India to sell Linea in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 29 September 2011 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

“Fiat India Automobiles Ltd. today announced its intent to increase its focus on exports, under which they have exported the Fiat Linea to Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, the inauguration is set for 29 September, 2011,” the company said in a statement.

The company has appointed Speed Italia as its distributor for the Sri Lankan market, it added.

The first batch of cars that will be exported to the island nation comprises 72 units, out of which 50 cars will be allotted to Sri Lankan Air Force officials at the time of the inauguration.

“The exports of the Linea to Sri Lanka (will) play a significant role in reaching out to the international markets and establishing our presence globally,” Fiat India Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Kapoor said.

Exports of Linea to Sri Lanka are a step toward reaffirming the company’s position as an international auto giant, he added.

The size of the car market in Sri Lanka is about 20,000 units per annum and Fiat India aims to capture a 5 per cent share in the first year.

On its new export markets, the company said it has “begun testing new growth opportunities overseas with a sharp focus on countries such as Bhutan and Australia, which are both right hand-drive countries.”

The company has already commenced exports of its Linea sedan and Punto hatchback to South Africa and Nepal. So far, it has exported nearly 4,000 units. (PTI)