Chrysler considering North American plant to produce Fiat-based models
According to Scott Garberding, senior vice president for manufacturing for Chrysler Group, the company is considering a new assembly plant in North America to produce Fiat-based models.
“There are a few options we’re digging into, including a new plant,” said Garberding, however, he declined to give any specifics or when Chrysler plans on making a decision. He also said that Chrysler could make some Fiat-based models at existing factories in the United States.
Chrysler plans on selling a number of vehicles based on Fiat platforms in North America. The move starts later this year with the new Fiat 500 minicar, which will be produced at the company’s Toluca, Mexico plant, in a space currently occupied by the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Chrysler plans on producing 100,000 units of the 500 annually – 50,000 for North America and 50,000 for Latin America.
At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler showed a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta, hinting at additional product merging plans.
2010 Detroit: 2009 Lancia Delta based Chrysler:
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– By: Omar Rana
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)