Fiat to make Chryslers at former Bertone plant

Fiat will produce Chryslers at a recently acquired former Carrozzeria Bertone plant in Italy, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said.

Marchionne, who said that Chrysler's new, five-year post-bankruptcy business plan will be released in November, declined to reveal what cars will be built at the plant, in Grugliasco, near Turin, or when production will start.

Sources in Turin said the factory could resume production in late 2011.

The first model built there most likely will be the replacement for the European version of the Chrysler 300C. The large sedan's U.S. launch is planned for early 2011.

European production of the 300C is done in Graz, Austria, by Magna Steyr, the contract manufacturing arm of Magna International Inc.

Chrysler said that Magna Steyr also produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both Chrysler production contracts end in mid-2010.

By Luca Ciferri- Automotive News