EXCLUSIVE: BRAZIL: Fiat/Iveco to export 25 percent of van production

Fiat and Iveco expect to export 25% of the output from their new van plant in Brazil, writes Rogério Louro Alves. The plant, in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais state, began production last November and will make around 15,000 Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily vans this year. About 3,800 will be exported this year - 1,500 Ducatos and 2,300 Dailys.

bcusack March 5, 2001

Fiat
and Iveco expect to export 25% of the output from their new van plant in Brazil,
writes Rogério Louro Alves.

The plant, in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais state, began production last November
and will make around 15,000 Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily vans this year. About
3,800 will be exported this year – 1,500 Ducatos and 2,300 Dailys.

Exports began at the end of February, when 150 Ducatos and 87 Dailys were shipped
to Argentina. In the second half of 2001, vans will also be shipped to Venezuela,
Uruguay, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The Fiat/Iveco Sete Lagoas plant has an annual capacity of 27,000 units and
Fiat and PSA are presently negotiating to produce the Peugeot Boxer there as
well.