Stellantis has announced the start of production at its manufacturing plant in Tafraoui, Algeria.
Output starts with the Fiat 500 and Fiat Doblò.
The latest milestone follows an agreement signed in November 2022 with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), confirming a framework agreement signed on October 13, 2022.
The agreement initiated the development of industrial, aftersales, and spare parts activities for FIAT. Stellantis and its suppliers have committed an initial investment exceeding €200 million for the manufacturing of four models.
The Tafraoui plant, covering an area of 80 acres, will initially have an annual assembly capacity of 90,000 cars, featuring a range of four models, beginning with the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Doblò. In 2024, the aim is to produce 40,000 units in SKD (semi-knocked down) form. The goal is for the plant to reach 90,000 units in CKD including painting welding and stamping by 2026.
Stellantis says the industrial project has already created 500 direct jobs in Algeria in 2023, with the aim of reaching 1,200 jobs by end of 2024 and 2,000 jobs by 2026. In addition, the local supplier ecosystem will create over 1,600 indirect jobs by 2026.
"Our Dare Forward 2030 plan envisioned Algeria being cemented into Stellantis’ regional future, and today we’re proud to have followed through on this plan by bringing Fiat brand to the country and providing great models to our Algerian customers through the manufacturing of the cars in Algeria,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “This is the beginning of a journey of growth and development for the benefit of the citizens of Tafraoui and Algerian customers. With today’s further announcement, we are poised to increase our commitment towards the country”.
As part of this commitment, Stellantis says Algeria is positioned to become an export platform for Stellantis in the Middle East and Africa region. Benefiting from the advantages offered by Algeria, Stellantis aims to position the country as a strategic hub for automotive production.
"Today, a letter of intent regarding the expansion of Stellantis' industrial project in Algeria will be signed to increase the production capacity of this plant, which will be oriented towards the local and export markets," declared Ali Aoun, Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, during his speech. "We, as public authorities, commit to ensuring the support of all investment projects aimed at creating wealth and employment."
The inauguration ceremony, chaired by Mr. Ali Aoun, Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, featured Mr. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Valentino Valentini, Vice Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, HE. Mr. Giovanni Pugliese, Ambassador of Italy in Algeria, Mr. Saïd Saayoud, Wali of Oran, Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Olivier François, FIAT Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Florian Huettl, Opel and Vauxhall Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arnaud DEBOEUF, Chief Manufacturing Officer and Mr. Hakim Boutehra, Managing Director of Stellantis Algeria, Tunisia.
