Fiat to Build Chrysler Cars at Bertone Plant

Italian manufacturer Fiat announced its plans to build Chrysler vehicles at the recently acquired Carrozzeria Bertone facility. The confirmation was made by Fiat/Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, somehow putting to rest rumors about the future of the facility.

According to interior sources cited by Autonews, production will resume at the facility sometime in 2011. The first model to roll off the assembly lines will be, the sources say, the replacement of the European spec Chrysler 300C, scheduled for release in early 2011.

The move is seen as necessary because, for now the 300C, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is being built by Chrysler and Magna Steyr, a Magna International subsidiary. The contracts between Chrysler and Magna for the construction of the two vehicles are due in mid-2010, and that would be the official reason behind the change of production sites.

No more than half a year ago though, Magna and Fiat were engulfed in a fierce battle for control over Opel. Fiat lost and in the meanwhile has become Chrysler's beacon of hope, while Magna got Opel (apparently) and is unlikely Fiat will renew the contracts Magna had with Chrysler.

Back to Fiat, rumor goes the Chrysler 300C platform will be used as the basis for a new flagship Lancia model, while the Jeeps bound for Europe will only be assembled by Fiat, as they will come as kits from the US.

Back in early August, Marchionne said the models to be built at the Bertone facility will likely be marketed in Europe and the US as well, leaving room for hope that Lancia will not be terminated.