Auto Design

Reports published in Modena by the local newspaper suggest that Fiat Spa has plans to dramatically increase output of its Maserati brand raising annual volume to some 50 thousand units with the launch of new rear wheel driven models sharing platform with the new Chrysler 300 and a derivative Alfa Romeo model. These new Maseratis would be equipped with a new V6 Automatic powertrain and would be positioned in the market above Alfa Romeo but below the current luxury 8 cylinder models built in Modena at the historical plant at Viale Ciro Menotti

According to local unions representatives Fiat has announced that production of the new Maseratis would take place at “other locations” without mentioning any specific plant. However they believe Fiat is considering setting up new production and assembly facilities for Maserati at the ex-Bertone factory, which Fiat bought in October 2009.

Fiat paid peanuts for the facilities but committed to invest € 150m and to grant some 1500 jobs there by the end of 2012.

Indeed in an interview with the Financial Times early this year, Sergio Marchionne outlined such a project. Again very recently Marchionne somewhat confirmed the plan when he said: “Maserati production will not leave Modena but will also take place at other factories”.

These days Sergio Marchionne is fighting to push through a fundamental revolution in the Italian industrial relations as he try convincing the unions that what he wants is in the best interest of the company as well as of the workers and the Italian economy. This is probably the toughest task he is measuring with since he was appointed CEO of the Fiat Group.