Fiat’s Chinese joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group, Guangqui Fiat, will start production of Alfa Romeo vehicles in July, the president of the Chinese partner, Zeng Qinghong, said.
“Besides the Fiat brand, after talks between the two shareholders, we will introduce the Alfa Romeo brand to the venture company,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of the Guangzhou Autoshow.
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He would not say when sales would start. “We are still discussing the timetable,” he said.
Guangqi Fiat, with initial capacity of 140,000 units, will be developed into a multi brand and multi products manufacturer, he added.
Fiat controlled Chrysler said earlier this year it was “aggressively” exploring the possibility of building more vehicles in China and could build cars and trucks there through the Guangzhou Auto and Fiat joint venture, Reuters noted.
Audi is expanding its Chinese line to include the locally-made Q5 SUV in addition to imported models. Mercedes-Benz has introduced A- and B-class cars to China and may start making GLK SUVs in its factory in Beijing next year. BMW has also been bringing in smaller, sportier models to expand its range.
