Fiat India gets a new Head, new Linea launch confirmed on 10th

Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited (FGAIPL) and Chrysler India Automotive Private Limited (CIAPL)  announced the appointment of Nagesh A. Basavanhalli as President and Managing Director for Fiat and Chrysler India operations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its business position in India.  Previously, as head of CIAPL, Basavanhalli was responsible for Fiat and Chrysler’s APAC (Asia Pacific) Technical Center located in Chennai, India.

In the newly created position, Basavanhalli will manage Fiat and Chrysler India operations, reporting to Mike Manley, Chief Operating Officer for the APAC region, Fiat S.p.A.  The appointment is effective immediately.

Enrico Atanasio, who previously was the managing director of FGAIPL, the national sales company in India, will take on new responsibilities with the APAC region to be announced at a later date. “In the short term, Enrico will work closely with Nagesh on a smooth transition of responsibilities and integration of the new structure to support the continued development of our business in India,” said Manley. 

 Basavanhalli joined Chrysler in 1994 and since has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in engineering and product planning. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University; a Master of Science from the University of Texas; and, an MBA from the University of Chicago Business School where he was awarded the “Booth India Business Leader - 2009” by Chicago Booth Business School.

The launch of the 2013 Linea and Grande Punto will happen on the 10th of April. The new Linea will get new alloy wheels, the interior trim colour will be changed and also some changes on the 1.4-litre T-Jet's power ratings.