Mumbai: To celebrate the successful completion of one year from the launch of the Palio in September 2001, Fiat India has announced the introduction of an upgraded Palio range, incorporating a host of new features across models.

The value-added offerings included in the Palio Anniversary range have been based on customer feedback and in-house research and development. The various refinements that have been incorporated include painted bumpers, a rear wheel arch carpet for all base versions, enhanced fabric upholstery design, a two-toned dashboard, seat belts for rear passengers and fifth door inner trim.

Continuing its tradition of setting benchmarks in the industry, Fiat is the first automobile company in India to offer painted bumpers on its base versions and rear seat belts across all models.

To mark the occasion, apart from the exciting range of colours that the Palio is already available in, a new colour, hazel grey, has also been introduced. The additional features that have been introduced once again reaffirm Fiats commitment to delivering maximum value to its customers.

The new anniversary range will be priced at Rs 3,69,900 lakh for the Palio EL MS, Rs 3,96,900 lakh for the Palio EL PS, Rs 4,29,900 lakh for the Palio ELX, Rs 4,55,000 lakh for the Palio Sport and Rs 5,31,500 lakh for the Palio (1.6) GTX (ex-showroom, Delhi). Commercial deliveries will commence from 7 October 2002.

Outlining future plans for the Indian market, Fiat unveiled the prototype of the 1900cc diesel Palio that is scheduled for launch in the beginning of 2003. The diesel engine option will be available on the entire 178 platform. Fiat also showcased the Doblo, one of the most successful products from the Fiat stable, which is currently undergoing clinic tests. The Fiat Doblo is seen as a perfect choice for those who seek a multi-utility vehicle with a sense of fun.

The Palio was launched at the end of September 2001 and has scripted the turnaround story for Fiat in a short span of 12 months. Starting off at a scorching pace by selling 1,100 cars in two days, the Palio has closed the year with an impressive sales figure of over 33,000 cars in one year.

En route to redefining the dynamics of the B segment of the Indian automobile market, the Palio has been a winner all the way. The Palio won the prestigious CNBC Autocar Car of the Year award along with the Best Value for Money Car award. Business Standard Motoring also adjudged the Fiat Palio as its Car of the Year.

Commenting on the successful completion of one year since the launch of the Palio in India, Fiat India CMD M P Bianchi says: Fiat today offers an excellent range of products, providing stiff competition in the fast-growing B segment as well as the C segment.

We are now poised to enter the second phase of Fiats aggressive move forward in the Indian market. Our motto has always been to offer the best value for money in all our products to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. In keeping with this approach, we are working towards achieving a good level of indigenisation for our diesel range."

Apart from the success of the Palio, Fiat has the distinction of being the only automobile company in India to introduce 12 new variants in a span of 12 months. In the B segment, the Fiat portfolio includes Palio EL (1.2), Palio EL PS (1.2), Palio ELX (1.2), Palio GTX (1.6), Palio Sport and Palio SIO.

The C segment offerings include the new Fiat Siena EX (1.2), Siena EL (1.6), Siena ELX (1.6) and Siena Maestro and the SUV/MUV segment has been captured with the Palio Adventure and Palio Weekend.

Fiats cumulative sales for the 12-month period September 2001-August 2002 was 36,081 units as compared to 7,609 units for the corresponding period of the previous year. This represents a phenomenal 374-per cent increase in sales. Sales for the month of September 2002 were 1,503 units as compared to 1,382 units in September 2001.

In order to reach out to and serve customers better, the Fiat dealerships have been increased from 51 to 66, which will touch 75 by the end of the year. In addition, Fiat already has 100 service points operating across the country.

The first anniversary of the Palio launch is a major milestone for Fiat India. The 33,000 Palios that are on the road today bear testimony to the phenomenal progress achieved by the company in a relatively short span of time, say company officials. With the introduction of the Palio Anniversary range, we reaffirm our commitment in offering the best value for money to our customers.