•Weststar plans big for Tipo, Fullback
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)’ has been named the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer in the prestigious Fleet World Awards, held days ago in the United Kingdom.
This is a cheery piece of news for lovers of Fiat across the world, and particularly for Weststar Associates Ltd, the front-running auto company which is on the verge of launching a line-up of the brand’s models into the Nigerian market.
Breaking the good news in Lagos, the Managing Director/CEO/of Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, gleefully remarked that the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer award was a foretaste of what the new year would bring.
Plath hinted that preparations by Weststar, already a key in the market as the authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in Nigeria, were in top gear for the Fiat brand to hit the local market through its stable in a couple of months.
The award recognises the strides made by FCA ‘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.
Steve Moody, Publisher at Fleet World, 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, Francis Bleasdale, Fleet and Remarketing Director at FCA, 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 {passenger car} and Fullback {pick-up} will be among the new products to be launched this year. Weststar Associates Ltd plans to re-introduce the Fiat brand into the Nigerian market with a much anticipated product launch in the second quarter of the year.
“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 Honors 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.” said Plath
