Start of production at the new Fiat plant in Pernambuco is expected during the first half of 2015. Initial production capacity will be 200,000 vehicles per year with models based on the Small Wide architecture that will strengthen the offering in the mid-size passenger car segment. CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed information about the future models to be made at a new production plant, situated in the city of Goiana. Speaking at the final Fiat S.p.A. shareholders’ meeting, he added: “The factory is a world-class production site that is designed to be flexible and expandable. The site will also have an integrated supplier park, as well as product engineering and testing facilities”.
Since the first announcement, the Brazilian plant project has undergone many changes in location and times. The plant’s location was originally stated as being at Suape but plans changed and the factory is now being erected at Goiana in Brazil’s northeast. The original capacity of 250,000 cars per annum had also risen to 300,000, as the firm announced in September 2011. Production of the first car was originally due to start in late 2014 but both the S.O.P. and initial capacity have clearly been altered.
