July 20th, 2010 
Nitin Fiat India is ready to re-launch its premium compact car Cinquecento, better known as Fiat 500, in Indian market over the coming months. Fiat 500 was originally launched in 2008 in to create a market for high-end hatchbacks that cost as much as premium sedans. But all the marketing efforts which were planned to increase the car sales, failed. The company managed to sell only 68 units since its launch.
Fiat intends to re-introduce the model to compete strongly with Volkswagen Beetle that has been quite a successful small car in the premium segment. Presently, Volkswagen Beetle still has an upper hand for all those wanting to experience super-luxury and yet want the convenience of driving a small car in the Indian urban driving conditions. Volkswagen performed really well by selling more than 300 units of Beetle since last November. Even in the sheer period of May-June only, over 100 units were sold.
Fiat Auto India CEO Rajeev Kapoor said that retro cars are a big hit with their distinctive looks and this is what, would be captured by the company in their new car campaign which will start in the next few months. The company has also delayed the launch of Bravo sedan which is one of its luxury cars.
The new Fiat 500 will come in new variants and will have option of customisation as well. Currently, Fiat 500 costs around Rs. 14.82 lakh as compared to Volksagen Beetle priced at Rs. 20.45 lakh. Fiat has not revealed the new prices or detailed specifications of the new model coming to India.
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