The first factory built by Italian carmaker Fiat, part of the Stellantis group, was inaugurated in Algiers on Monday, with the aim of becoming “a base for a real local automotive industry”, according to Algerian Industry Minister Ali Aoun. AFP.

Fiat Panda conveyorPhoto: Italy Photo Press / Zuma Press / Profimedia

“Given the reputation of the Italian manufacturer Fiat, this brand was chosen first for local production” in Algeria, the minister emphasized at the ceremonial opening of the plant in Oran (west) in the presence of representatives of the Italian company. and Algerian authorities and CEO of Stellantis (Peugeot, Fiat, Opel, Chrysler, etc.) Carlos Tavares.

The 40-hectare plant will assemble several models in the Fiat range, including the 500 (gasoline-electric) hybrid model, with a capacity of 50,000 units, which will be increased to 90,000 by 2026, and will eventually create 1,200 jobs.

“We completed the construction of the plant in record time, in just one year,” said the CEO of Stellantis, referring to the project launched in November 2022 with an initial investment of 200 million euros.

Tavares pledged to reach 35% local production of auto parts by 2026, “two years ahead of the government’s target date of reaching 30%.”

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