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Fiat
cars to be available in India through Tata dealers from
March 2006
January 13, 2006
Fiat
Group and Tata Motors announced today signing of an
agreement to co-operate on dealer network sharing, which
encompasses the sale of Fiat branded cars through selected
Tata outlets throughout India. Tata Motors will manage
the marketing and distribution of the Fiat branded cars
in India.
Following this agreement, a targeted
selection of Fiat cars and the Tata product range along
with service and sale of spare parts will be available
from March 2006 through the Tata dealership network.
Dealers will display the new Fiat logo alongside the
Tata logo at their outlets.
This deal is the first result
of the joint activity started after the signature of
the Memorandum of Understanding between Fiat and Tata
Motors in September 2005. As the analysis of feasibility
and specificity of the nature of the cooperation goes
on, further specific agreements are expected.
Commenting on this deal, Sergio
Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A, said: "This
agreement is a milestone in our presence in India. It
enables us to increase our customer base in the country
and to provide superior quality service and facilities
to our existing customers. The joint team is doing an
excellent job and I am confident that our cooperation
with Tata will further expand in the areas of product
development, manufacturing and sourcing."
Commenting on the agreement, Ratan
Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata
Motors, said: "I am very pleased at this quick
and definitive start of a potential long-term relationship.
We believe this will soon result in more strategic alliances
between the two organisations and across various markets."
About Fiat
One of the pioneer companies in the automobile industry,
Fiat has produced more than 85 million passenger cars
and light commercial vehicles, including no less than
400 models, since 1899, when the company was founded
in Turin, Italy. Some of them have represented milestones
in the automotive industry. The Fiat Group's Automobiles
Sector operates world-wide with the following brands:
Fiat, celebrated for value, economy, and innovation
and whose mass produced cars are distributed over almost
the entire price class spectrum; Lancia (acquired in
1969) means prestige cars noted for their elegant styling,
and comfort; Alfa Romeo (acquired in 1986) is famous
as a maker of sport and luxury vehicles of style and
distinction; Maserati (acquired in 1992) represents
a landmark in the history of the automobile; Ferrari
(acquired in 1969), well renowned for unsurpassed design,
performance, and luxury, is a legendary automobile that
imparts special cachet to its owner.
About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with
revenues of US$ 4.7 billion. The company is a market
leader in commercial vehicles in India and amongst the
top three players in the passenger car industry. It
is the world's fifth largest medium and heavy commercial
vehicle manufacturer. Tata Motors vehicles are already
being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa,
the Middle East, South East Asia, South Asia and Australia.
The company acquired the Daewoo Commercial Vehicles
Company, Korea's second largest truck maker, in 2004.
In 2005, it acquired a 21 per cent stake in Hispano Carrocera,
the reputed Spanish bus and coach manufacturer. www.tatamotors.com
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