Fiat Automobiles India expanded its Punto range with the launch of two new entry-level versions today and with its models in demand bullish CEO Rajeev Kapoor said he expects sales to double this year to 50,000 units. Last year Fiat sold 24,000 of its cars, comprising of the Palio, Punto, Linea and 500, in India.

The two new Punto variants have immediately impressed the local media for the pricing and number of standard features which include electric front windows, rake adjustable steering column, fire prevention system and programmed service schedule reminders. The new Punto Fire 1.2 (petrol) will be sold in two versions, Punto Dynamic and Punto Emotion, with on-the-road prices of Rs 4.57 lakh and Rs 4.87 lakh respectively. Explaining the competitive pricing and the high levels of standard equipment, Kapoor said: "During the last couple months of we have been observing the customer needs and saw that the Punto Active was the most preferred of the lot, thus we decided to tap that market and offer more features at a reasonable price tag."

Kapoor sees the Punto, which is built locally at the Fiat-Tata factory Pune in 5-door format and drops the European "Grande" tag for the India market, as helping to drive demand for Fiat's models. "The hatchback segment is the most happening in India and has seen a 50 percent growth in 2009," said the Fiat India CEO. "In fact, 60 percent of car sales happen in this category and we have had a 5.5 percent market share till now and with more variant launches in the coming months we would be looking at doubling the sales."

The category for cars priced between Rs 4 and Rs 5 lakh is expanding fast in India and at the launch of the new 1.2-litre Punto, Ravi G Bhatia, the Vice-President of Fiat Automobiles India, commented: "Look at the number of cars that has come in the category so it was imperative that we also be a part of the game. Fiat has been looked upon as an expensive car but with these two launches we want to change that image." Bhatia added that Fiat Automobiles India, which is a 50-50 joint venture with Tata Motors, is working hard to build a new image and reduce running costs for owners: "Since localisation has set in the cost of ownership will also come down drastically for Fiat cars [and] we are also opening dealerships all over India which should also help us change the image." Fiat Automobiles India recently inaugurated its 100th dealership.