Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is set to invest €5bn up to 2021 on its Italian facilities, in order to meet increasing demand for SUVs and electric cars.
The plans would be in line with Fiat’s intention to build a compact Alfa Romeo SUV at its Pomigliano plant, and a battery-powered Fiat 500 at its Mirafiori, Turin plant.
In addition, FCA will be building the popular Jeep Compass SUV in Melfi, Central Italy. Deliveries for this brand grew 61% in Europe in the year through October, compared to a 2% overall decline for the group.
Although Fiat’s Italian sites have struggled to run at fully capacity for years, the company says it intends to keep all factories open.