Fiat will cut up to 5,000 jobs at its Italian plants by moving production of several Alfa Romeo models to North America. According to a report by Automotive News Europe, the cuts will affect three Italian plants. Parent company Fiat hasn't released the specific details, but it is expected that the models slated to be built in North America are the 159 replacement, 166 replacement and a new mid-size crossover.
This latest development is part of a larger plan by Fiat to streamline its production process. Currently the brand builds 14 vehicles at five plans in Italy. But as of 2012, Fiat hopes to just build nine models in Italy.
In addition, Fiat is also making a big push to sell Chrysler brand products in other parts of the world. We recently learned that several Jeep models will be sold in Russia and now comes word that the 300C, Sebring and Town & Country minivan will be rebadged and sold as Lancias in Italy starting in 2011, and sold as Chryslers outside Italy. Fiat also plans to bring the Nitro and Journey to Europe, although its not clear if they will wear a Fiat badge or a Lancia badge.
In the future, Fiat plans to do a lot of
platform sharing across the U.S. and Italian brands and will look to
replace Chrysler brand models with Fiat products.
More:
Chrysler to Build Alfa Romeos in North America, Cutting 5,000 Jobs in Italy on AutoGuide.com
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