Fiat announces BRL 8 billion of new investment in Brazil, 15 releases by 2023
On July 6, FCA announced corporate and supplier-financed investments of BRL 8 billion in Betim, Brazil, to enable the expansion of the Fiat product range in Latin American markets, strengthening its presence in segments in which it is the leader and those in which it wishes to improve.
Currently, more than 60% of the items used in FCA production are from suppliers located within 150 kilometers of the Betim plant.
The new investments announced for the Betim plant are part of the overall strategic plan announced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne on June 1.
In total, there will be 15 new releases by 2023, including new vehicles, life-cycle updates, and special models.
The Betim plant, FCA’s largest car factory, has an installed annual production capacity of 800,000 vehicles, building the Uno, Fiorino, Doblò, Grand Siena, Weekend, Strada, Mobi and Argo models on three assembly lines.
Since beginning operations in 1976, Fiat has produced approximately 16 million vehicles in Betim, of which approximately 3.5 million were exported.
The Betim plant has adopted Industry 4.0 production methods, including its Manufacturing 2020 innovation lab that promotes FCA connection with suppliers, startups, academia, and the Brazilian government.
Completing the Fiat range in Latin America are the Cronos produced in Cordoba, Argentina; the Toro produced at the Pernambuco plant in Brazil; and the Ducato produced in Saltillo, Mexico.
