The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fiat

  • Kewalram Chanrai to distribute Jeep, Fiat, others

    Kewalram Chanrai Group has secured the exclusive right to distribute Fiat, Jeep, Chrysler auto brands in the country.

    It got the deal after it became the franchise representatives of FCA auto brands in Nigeria.

    The FCA Group is the renowned manufacturer of Italian and American auto brands, such as Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati.

    The automobiles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT version, Dodge Durango, Fiat Tipo, Fiat Pickup and the Ram Open back are already on display at the firm’s showroom on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    According to the company, more models would be added.

    The company has also set in motion a strong mechanism to spread the presence of the brands to other parts of the country using its already established branch network.

    The acquisition of marketing rights is a major boost to Kewalram Chanrai’s reputation as a diverse conglomerate with strong presence in 12 countries, including Nigeria. It has a distribution history spanning over 150 years.

    As part of its repositioning strategy to ensure dominance in the market, the company has strengthened its after sales services for enhanced service delivery.

    The after-sales personnel, it was learnt, were trained by the manufacturers’ technical workers.

    Chanrai was said to have chosen as the exclusive distributor for the FCA brands because of its strong pedigree in the auto business as well as its firm commitment to the provision of after-sales service.

    Fiat Group, the Italian auto maker had in 2014 acquired 100 per cent ownership in Chrysler Group, the American premium car company in a move that integrated the financial and the technical aspects of the two groups into one. The merger created a multi-national organisation that operates in more than 140 countries.

    Jeep is a world-class brand that has been in production for more than seven decades.

    The brand has benefited from renowned luxury car makers from Europe, making the brand one of the best in the market.

    Dodge Brand is one of the popular brands in the world. A member of the revered Chrysler family and now Fiat  Group, Dodge specialises in the production of  Sports Utility Vehicles (SVU), passenger cars, large pickup and multi-purpose vehicles. Some of its products include the Durango SUV, Neon sedan, Dakota pickup and minivan.

    Chrysler brand boasts of products, such as PT Cruiser, Town and Country minivan.

    The Fiat brand is one of European brands. It is renowned for making affordable durable cars, especially mini cars and compact sedans. Its newly introduced small pickup is fast becoming the toast of pickup buyers across the globe. The Fiat Group is a big player in the luxury car segment with brands like Alfa Romeo and Maserati.

    With these arrays of models, Kewalram Chanrai Group said Nigerians are in for the best of vehicles.

  • Kewalram Chanrai to unveil Jeep, Fiat, Dodge, others

    Kewalram Chanrai Group (KCG) is reintroducing two of the world’s iconic names – Fiat and Jeep – into the sedan, Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and pick-up market.

    Ahead of a take-over announcement and re-launch, KCG is lining up the latest models of the brands’ offerings, in addition to investing hugely in sales and after-sales facilities, to ensure that customers have pleasant ownership experience.

    Its Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Victor Ebuarjolo, said the Kewalram Chanrai Group, had been planning to ensure that the vehicles have sure-footed penetration into the market when they are launched.

    The Group is also preparing vintage spots in its network for Jeep’s sister brand, Dodge, as well as Alfa Romeo and Maserati, froms Fiat segment.

    Predictably, Tipo, the wave-making 1.6-litre C-segment sedan marking its first 30 years of functionality, simplicity and personality, is the car leading Fiat’s come-back.

    Boosting Tipo’s confidence is not just its six airbags and six-speed automatic transmission, but also that it is the car with the highest growth rate in Europe, and the choice of over 180,000 motorists in the Middle East and Africa region.

    Tipo will be accompanied by its pick-up sibling, Fiat Fullback  –  one of the first pick-ups in the world with an all-aluminium engine, which translates to lightweight and efficiency. The 2.4-litre pick-up will be available in 4×4, 4×2, single cabin and double cabin variants. It has up to 3100Kg towing capacity.

    The coming of Fullback will certainly give the current market leaders, like Hilux, L200, Isuzu D-Max, Ranger, and NP 300 something to worry about. This is because having been enhanced technologically; the Fullback pick-up has a good price-value reputation and boasts the smallest turning circle in the class at just under N12 million.

    Excitement also awaits lovers of the iconic Jeep brand, as it has been confirmed that the latest models of the luxury SUV brand, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (3.6 V6) and SRT (6.4 v8); the ALL new 3.6 V6 Wrangler Sahara trim levels: and 2.4 liter Compass Limited, are rearing to dare the competitors.

    Ebuarjolo is upbeat about the success of the brands is poised to unleash on the market, saying that Fiat’s Tipo has got more than what it takes to impress the Nigerian market with its beautiful design, safety features and roominess.

  • Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Enlivened by its success stories in the United States (US) and European market, Weststar Associates Limited has decided to introduce Fiat into the Nigerian market.

    It rolled out the new Tipo sedan from the staple of an Italian automaker, Fiat, now known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

    Built with a rigid, lightweight body/chassis, the vehicle was introduced to the motoring journalists in Lagos by Westar Associates Limited, ahead of its official launch next month.

    According to Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, Fiat products became popular roadsters in the U.S., especially among young Americans – a trend that continues to today.

    The brand, he said, has since then grown to become one of the most esteemed car brands in Europe and in the US as it has won the “Europe Car of the Year” more times than any other car brand.

    “This is one of the reasons why we believe FIAT presents the right platform for the Nigerian market. Today is a special day for Weststar – marking a fresh start through the birth of this new brand. We are extremely excited and we hope you are as well,” he said.

    As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

    Born over a century ago, the FIAT brand has acquired a long history that includes war, automotive innovation and international conquest. Fiat was also involved in the manufacturing of military vehicles, machinery and commercial vehicles for the Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica. By the 1950s, FIAT resumed full car manufacturaing thus, strongly benefitting from the Italian economic boom thereby putting four million Italians on the road with its famous two cylinders FIAT 500.

    Apart from Fiat’s known features of versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions, which the Tipo represents, it has also come as a practical, functional model, according to Weststar Associates.

    The General Manager, FCA Group/Weststar Associates Limited, Stavros Diamantidis, said the new vehicle offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options, adding that its Italian heritage provides comfort, quality and versatility.

    “With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” he said.

    According to him, the four-door sedan version of the Fiat Tipo is one of the first models that will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited.

    He expressed optimism that the vehicle and other Fiat models will do well in Nigeria.

    “We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their money. The Fiat Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” Diamantidis said.

    According to the auto firm, the name – Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during its over one century of history.

  • Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Enlivened by its success stories in the United States (US) and European market, Weststar Associates Limited has decided to introduce Fiat into the Nigerian market.

    It rolled out the new Tipo sedan from the staple of an Italian automaker, Fiat, now known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

    Built with a rigid, lightweight body/chassis, the vehicle was introduced to the motoring journalists in Lagos by Westar Associates Limited, ahead of its official launch next month.

    According to Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, Fiat products became popular roadsters in the U.S., especially among young Americans – a trend that continues to today.

    The brand, he said, has since then grown to become one of the most esteemed car brands in Europe and in the US as it has won the “Europe Car of the Year” more times than any other car brand.

    “This is one of the reasons why we believe FIAT presents the right platform for the Nigerian market. Today is a special day for Weststar – marking a fresh start through the birth of this new brand. We are extremely excited and we hope you are as well,” he said.

    As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

    Born over a century ago, the FIAT brand has acquired a long history that includes war, automotive innovation and international conquest. Fiat was also involved in the manufacturing of military vehicles, machinery and commercial vehicles for the Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica. By the 1950s, FIAT resumed full car manufacturaing thus, strongly benefitting from the Italian economic boom thereby putting four million Italians on the road with its famous two cylinders FIAT 500.

    Apart from Fiat’s known features of versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions, which the Tipo represents, it has also come as a practical, functional model, according to Weststar Associates.

    The General Manager, FCA Group/Weststar Associates Limited, Stavros Diamantidis, said the new vehicle offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options, adding that its Italian heritage provides comfort, quality and versatility.

    “With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” he said.

    According to him, the four-door sedan version of the Fiat Tipo is one of the first models that will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited.

    He expressed optimism that the vehicle and other Fiat models will do well in Nigeria.

    “We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their money. The Fiat Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” Diamantidis said.

    According to the auto firm, the name – Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during its over one century of history.

  • Fiat gets ‘The Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’award

    The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been named Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer in the prestigious Fleet World Awards.
    The award recognises the strides made by the company’s fleet and business department, which represents Fiat, Fiat Professional, Alfa Romeo and Jeep.
    Judges were impressed not only by the strength and breadth of the vehicle line-up but also by the changes made in the last year to improve the fleet offering.
    The FIAT brand is being expected the country.
    Publisher, Fleet World, Steve Moody, said:  ”With the ability to cross-sell between its different brands, FCA Group has a unique and compelling offer for fleets. Newcomers such as the Fiat Tipo, Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio, and commercial vehicles including the Talento van and Fullback pickup mean it is becoming a complementary line-up suitable for the most diverse fleet needs. It’s also well supported, with a central fleet and business organisation and a growing network of specialist dealers.”
    Receiving the award at a ceremony at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, Fleet and Remarketing Director, FCA, Francis Bleasdale, said, “We’re honoured to have won this category in these prestigious fleet awards and delighted that our work to improve the bespoke service we offer to business customers has been recognised. In addition to building on our renowned low running costs and excellent service, we are continuing to expand the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep model ranges including specially developed, business-focused editions that will thrill both head and heart.”
    For the Nigerian market, the Fiat Tipo and Fullback are a part of the new products to be launched in the year.
    Weststar Associates Ltd, Authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in Nigeria will be re-introducing the Fiat brand to the Nigerian market with the much anticipated product launch in the second quarter of the year.
    Its Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director Mirko Plath said: “2017 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for FCA – we’ve just been named the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer at The Fleet World Honours 2017! This award demonstrates our commitment and dedication to delivering a multi-brand fleet solution with up-to-the-minute after-sales service to our customers, bolstered by a range of exciting new model launches in 2017.”