Fiat is to re-launch the Mirafiori plant in Turin, with output expected to be boosted to between 250,000 and 280,000 units per year as part of a new plan which will see Chrysler and Fiat establish a new joint venture company which will produce larger segment passenger cars and SUVs for the Alfa Romeo and Jeep brands.
This plant will build the new Alfa Romeo and Jeep models, which are due in the third and fourth quarters of 2012. These models will be exported outside the EU, with more than half America-bound.
Mirafiori currently pumps out about 180,000 cars a year and employs 5,500 dedicated workers. It's one of Italy's biggest factories, along with the Melfi plant in the south. Mirafiori is currently building run-out Fiat models like the Multipla, Grande Punto, Idea and Lancia Musa (it also builds the Alfa MiTo) so the timing is right for a retool and revamp.
These new vehicles will spawn a new "Compact Wide" platform based on the existing "Compact" platform which sits under the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This will be used by Chrysler and Alfa Romeo.