One of the Abarth models to be localised, says Fiat's Basavanhalli

The company is expected to launch the brand Abarth in India soon

Automobile manufacturer Fiat Group has plans to localise one of its Abarth model in India in future, said a senior official from the car manufacturer. This, while the company is expecting launch of the Abarth 500 within the end of the year. However, the official refused to comment on which of the models under the brand would be localised.

Speaking to reporters after rolling out the new premium hatchback Punto Evo, Nagesh Basavanhalli, president and managing director of Fiat Chrysler, India Operations, said that the company would start with serving the market with Completely Built Unit (CBU) of Abarth 500.

He said that while the level of localisation for the Abarth model is not finalised, the company's existing models assembled in India has around 85% localisation.

The company has earlier announced its strategy till the year 2018, with plans to launch 12 models in three platforms and double the workforce to around 5,000 employees, according to reports. It has set a target of around 1.3 lakh units by 2018, it added.

In the last 18 months, the company has established 116 point of sales in 93 cities in 23 states.