The joint venture between Fiat India and Tata Motors, Fiat India Automobiles Limited (FIAL) may soon launch a number of Chrysler models in India. The first of these is likely to be the iconic Jeep Cherokee, which will be followed by other vehicles. Fiat had acquired a 20 per cent stake in Chrysler earlier this year, after the latter filed for bankruptcy. The Italian carmaker will be able to establish a stronger foothold in the North American auto-market as its stake increases. Chrysler, too, stands to benefit from Fiat’s small car technology. The future course for the Michigan-based Chrysler is to move towards fuel-efficient vehicles. Apart from the Cherokee, other well-known Chrysler products are the Avenger, the Caliber, the Challenger and the Viper.
The Fiat-Tata JV was set up in 2007, and produces the Fiat Linea, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Tata Indigo Mazda. The two companies plan to jointly invest Rs 4020 crore at their Ranjangaon facility, which will have a production capacity of two lakh cars and three lakh diesel engines by 2012.
