Fiat and PSA-Peugeot Citroën to invest €700 million in the Sevel plant in Atessa

Atessa, 10-7-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today (9 July 2013), Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne presented plans for future activities at the Sevel plant in Atessa (Chieti), where the Ducato Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) is currently produced.

Approximately €700 million is to be invested in the existing facility over 5 years which, together with application of World Class Manufacturing standards, will enable Sevel to further improve its standing as one of the most advanced automotive production facilities in the world.

This investment, of which Euro 550m is being undertaken by Fiat-Chrysler and Euro 150m by PSA, will cover the installation of 60 body welding robots, 25 refurbished spray painting systems, a new assembly line and reorganization of logistics in preparation for a wider range of products in order to meet evolving customer and market demands.

The Sevel plant in Val di Sangro, a 50-50 joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and PSA-Peugeot Citroën, was inaugurated on 28 November 1981 by Italian President Sandro Pertini with Fiat Chairman Giovanni Agnelli in attendance.

The site currently produces the successful Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper ranges of light commercial vehicles.

More than 4.5 million LCVs have been produced at the plant and it employs more than 6,000 people, making it the largest industrial site in Abruzzo. Operating 3 shifts a day, 5 days a week, the plant has a production capacity of around 300,000 vehicles per year.

Fiat Group Automobiles produces LCVs for the Fiat Professional brand at 8 plants around the world, including Sevel, which is the largest plant in its segment in Europe.

In addition to the Ducato, the Fiat Professional range also includes the Doblò, Fiorino, Scudo, Strada and van versions of the Panda, Punto and Bravo. Currently sold in more than 80 countries around the world, the Ducato was Europe’s best-selling vehicle in its segment for the first five months of 2013 with a 21.7% share. It has been a long standing leader in the Italian market holding a 42.7% share for the first five months of 2013. At the European level, the model registered an 18.1% market share in 2012, an all-time annual record.

Fiat S.p.A.
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