MOTOR
Fiat re-introduced to Sri Lankan auto market
Speed Italia - the authorized distributor of Fiat automobiles
re-introduced the Fiat brand to the Sri Lankan automobile market
recently.
LOLC Motors Ltd Chairman Kapila Jayawardena speaking at the Fiat
launch. |
With a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Fiat’s own
innovative ‘Air technologies’ brand has enabled its automobiles to
record the lowest level of CO2 emissions out of top motor vehicles sold
in Europe for the fourth time in a row last year. This is indicative of
Fiat’s conscious efforts to provide value added services to its global
automobile users.
With a range of motor vehicles manufactured in Italy and India,
popular Fiat models such as Linea, Punto, Fiat 500, Fiat Bravo and a
number of others will soon be readily available for Sri Lankan
automobile enthusiasts. The first fleet of Fiat Linea is now on display
at Speed Italia’s main showroom located at No 447A, Union Place, Colombo
02.
Commenting on the significance of Fiat’s re-launch, LOLC Motors Ltd
Chairman, Kapila Jayawardena said, “The Fiat brand was born more than a
century ago, in 1899, and even to this day, Fiat is regarded as one of
the fastest moving automobile brands in the world. The Brand’s first
entry to the Sri Lankan car market took place back in 1909 and earned
respect from its users almost instantly. We have brought back this
popular brand to our home ground this year with the objective of
providing Sri Lankans the unique opportunity to own its newest and
latest models which are more often accessible overseas.”
The latest model of Fiat Linea along with a 1959 model vintage
Fiat car on display at the classic corner of the new Fiat
showroom. |
Noting that after sales service is a top priority, Mr. Jayawardena
said that the required after sales services and maintenance can be
easily obtained via the LOLC Group’s automobile services company, LOLC
Motors Ltd. “LOLC Motors Ltd. is a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly
automotive workshop located in Gothatuwa, Rajagiriya, with a floor area
of 5,600 sq. metres which has a capacity to handle 100 vehicles at a
given time. This makes us one of the largest workshops in Colombo
uniquely designed to implement eco-friendly vehicle repairing and
maintenance services,” he said.
The workshop is well-equipped to handle mechanical repairs,
preventive maintenance, lubrication service, quick lube service,
collision repairs, paint re-finishing or touch-ups, wheel alignment,
wheel-balancing unit repairs etc. In addition, this facility has a micro
biological media system on waste water and rain water recycling,
eco-friendly paint booths, and air-condition recovery machines as
adjuncts to its air-conditioning to prevent release of refrigerant to
the atmosphere. The unique design of the facility is structured to
utilize maximum natural light, with plans to install solar panels in the
near future.
“We have established facilities especially on after-sales services to
ensure that maximum care is given to all our customers. We are
well-equipped to address the individual requirements of our customers
quickly and efficiently. We are confident that the introduction of the
new brands will offer new and exciting opportunities to Sri Lankan
customers,” Jayawardena said.
At a ceremony held in Colombo, Speed Italia showcased its latest,
fast selling automobiles which have taken the European car market by
storm. Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Harsha
Abeywickrama attended the event as the chief guest whilst Director
General Engineering, Air Vice Marshal B. L. W. Balasuriya; Director
General Logistics, Air Vice Marshal K. V. B. Jayampathi; Ricky Walter,
Head of Overseas Operations, Fiat India; Mrs. Rohini Nanayakkara,
Chairperson of the LOLC Group; Ishara Nanayakkara, Deputy Chairman of
the LOLC Group; Kapila Jayawardena, Chairman of LOLC Motors Ltd and
Group Managing Director and CEO of LOLC and Kalsha Amarasinghe,
Executive Director of the LOLC Group were present. Speed Italia is a
wholly owned subsidiary of LOLC Motors Ltd., and is the authorized
distributor for Fiat motor cars in Sri Lanka. LOLC Motors Ltd is a
subsidiary of the LOLC Group. For more information, visit:
www.fiat-india.com |