Stefan Ketter has been appointed to lead the Group’s Pernambuco Project, the creation of a state-of-the-art automotive industrial complex in Pernambuco, Brazil. Ketter retains his role as Chief Manufacturing Officer.
“Given the strategic importance of this project to Fiat Chrysler, responsibility has been assigned to a key manager responsible for the development of the Group’s global manufacturing activities” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC.
With an initial investment in excess of BRL 3 billion, capacity at the Pernambuco plant (Fiat’s second in Brazil) will reach 200,000 to 250,000 vehicles per year, with production expected to begin in 2014.
Located in the city of Goiana just north of Pernambuco, the complex – including supplier park – will cover an area of approximately 12 million square meters.
The plant will further boost the Group’s strong leadership position in Brazil and make a significant contribution to the country’s technological, industrial and economic development.
Market leader for a total of 11 years, in 2012 the Fiat brand posted the best performance in its 36 – year operating history in Brazil, with sales of cars and light commercial vehicles up 11.1% over the prior year to nearly 840,000 units. The Group has also posted record performance through May of this year, with sales up 10.4% over the same period in 2012 to approximately 316,000 units.
