Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said a decision to shut down the company’s plant in Sicily was “irreversible”, reiterating comments he made on 1 December.
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Marchionne said in Detroit plans to shutter the plant, which employs 1,400 on the Italian island, would go ahead despite provoking “a great controversy”.
His speech was interrupted by shouts from those opposing the move. “Shame on you Fiat and Chrysler for killing jobs!” one angry protester yelled.
Hundreds of Fiat workers in southern Italy went on strike on Wednesday in protest at the company’s decision to shut the factory by the end of 2011. Marchionne had first announced the closure last June, as a move to cut costs.
An Indian newspaper last month said local automakers were eyeing the plant while China’s Chery dismissed Italian newspaper reports it would buy the facility.
