Fiat is planning to introduce diesel models of its cars in India by 2003 and is planning to source diesel engine components locally, according to local media reports.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr M.P. Bianchi, Chairman and Managing Director, Fiat India, said: “Looking to the future, we will be introducing the 1,900-cc diesel engine for all our vehicles on the 178 platform. This means the diesel version of the Palio and Sienna range will be introduced in the beginning of 2003 and this will complete the product range for the 178 platform of passenger cars in India.”
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It is also reported that Fiat plans to sell 50,000 cars in India this calendar year.
At present, the company is manufacturing 220 cars a day on a two-shift basis at its Kurla plant (up from 70 cars per day at the time of Palio launch). The Kurla plant has 60,000 unit annual production capacity.
