Update 2 - Fiat Grande Punto Launch - Press Release

As part of continuous updates on the Fiat Grande Punto, we're attaching the press release with all the information including prices and features. We have exclusive images and statements from the launch in our future updates, so stay tuned.

PRESS RELEASE

FIAT VROOMS IN WITH THE SPORTY AND MASCULINE GRANDE PUNTO

~The car will shortly grace the Indian roads and will be available in

both Multi Jet diesel and Fire petrol engine versions ~

New Delhi, June 17, 2009: Fiat India Automobiles Ltd today unveiled its latest offering in the premium hatchback segment - the Grande Punto. The car arouses strong emotions with its sleek, aggressive lines and conveys an impression of elegance and compactness.

The Grande Punto's sporty and muscular styling can be attributed to the ‘Car Designer of the Century' Giorgetto Giugiaro. The strong character of the Grande Punto is defined by a sleek and aggressive nose which conveys an incredibly real dynamism. The rear end is softer and rounder, and it balances the aggressive front end. In true Fiat tradition, the exciting design of the car is complemented by adherence and exceeding of superior quality standards. Internationally, Grande Punto has an excellent track record and has produced and already sold 1.6 Million units across markets.

The car is agile and probably delivers the most enjoyable drive in its segment. This brilliance is derived from the state-of-the-art FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) and MULTIJET engines which combine superb performance with low fuel consumption. To add to it, these engines are also environment friendly and Euro 4 ready.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said, "The launch of the Grande Punto marks a new milestone for Fiat in India as we bring the quintessentially Italian design to Indian shores. Our previous launch the C plus sedan, Linea, has met with tremendous response and we are confident that our latest premium hatchback offering will also excite our customers. The Grande Punto is unique and is designed to be the new benchmark in terms of style. We believe that the B plus segment in India has been under tapped and consumers are increasingly looking forward to driving world renowned, international brands on Indian roads. The Grande Punto will offer safety and quality standards that are particularly high for its segment at a very competitive price. The car will tempt its prospective customers with one of the most pleasurable drives in the segment and will also be an exciting proposition for its customers with its great price/content ratio. Grande Punto is for demanding customers who love hatchbacks and yet want the luxury of a sedan. The high level of localisation which will increase to 85% by December 2009 has helped us aggressively price the Punto. "

The car will be manufactured at the company's state-of-the-art Ranjangaon plant near Pune and will be launched across India through an aggressive communication campaign through print and television. The Grande Punto will be available in India with two petrol engines (1.2 and1.4 FIRE) and one diesel (1.3 multijet). The 1.2 petrol engine option with its safety features and aggressive price will form an attractive option for buyers who are potential small hatch back buyers. Additionally, Fiat offers a two year unlimited mileage warranty on the Grande Punto which is one of the best in the segment.

The Tata-Fiat dealer network will ensure easy availability of the car and prompt after-sales service for its owners. The Grande Punto will be retailed through the Tata-Fiat dealer network. The company has over 100 points of sales & service outlets allowing a much wider base of customers to experience the Grande Punto. To further enhance customer experience and strengthen after sales support for Grande Punto, a series of initiatives have been undertaken and over 800 dealer sales & service staff have undergone extensive training. New dealer identity norms have been introduced at showrooms and workshops which meet international standards.

The Grande Punto comes loaded with features and will be available in three versions known as Active, Dynamic & Emotion for both the petrol and diesel variants. Additionally a fully loaded Emotion Option Pack will also be available. At the time of launch, consumers can choose from a range of 6 electrifying colors: Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Black, Minimal Grey, Medium Grey, Exotica Red and Electric Blue. The Grande Punto will be priced as follows:

Globally, the third generation Fiat supermini, the Grande Punto was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is certified with EURO NCAP 5 star ratings in Europe which will ply soon on Indian roads. Many would agree, the Grande Punto is a perfect follow up to the Linea and symbolises the Fiat brand's journey back into reckoning in the competitive world of the Indian car industry.

Style:

• Sporty grill
• Flared wheel arches
• Muscular contours
• Sporty dual tone interiors
• Sporty wide profile 195/60 R15 15" alloys

Comfort & convenience:

• Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror
• Automatic Climate Control
• Blue & Me: unique technology developed jointly by Microsoft & Fiat. Unique technology to connect and sync mobile via blue tooth and voice dial / read SMS
• Customized instrument display setting with My Car
• Remote foldable key
• Intelligent rear de-fogger : switches off after 20 minutes to prevent damage to the glass
• Convenient driver facing key slot
• Intelligent Ignition: prevents turning the key when the engine is running

Safety:

• ABS with EBD
• Dual stage front driver & passenger airbags : unique system deploys the air-bags depending on the severity of the impact
• Fire prevention system: cuts off fuel in case of an impact to reduce chances of fire
• Fiat Code System: Immobilizer with rolling code
• Load limiters and pre-tensioners

Engineering Technology

• Unique CAN bus system with 7 micro-chips - no conventional wiring in this car.

Engines:

• 1.2 FIRE (Petrol) engine: 68.2 ps @ 6000 rpm and 95.75 Nm @ 2500 rpm
• 1.4 FIRE (Petrol) engine: 90ps @ 6000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 4500 rpm
• 1.3 Multijet (Diesel) engine: 76 ps @ 4000 rpm and 197 Nm @ 1750 rpm

Recognitions for the Grande Punto:

Grande Punto has met with tremendous response across the world and the numerous accolades mentioned below are a testimony to that: