Stellantis launches FIAT brand in Algeria with six carlines
Dutch car maker Stellantis has launched the FIAT brand in Algeria, with six carlines on offer, namely Fiat 500 Hybrid, Fiat Tipo, Fiat 500X, Fiat Scudo, Fiat Doblò, and Fiat Ducato.
The launch of the FIAT brand in the Algerian market is part of the staged investment of Stellantis which concretizes the automotive specifications agreement that was signed on 20 November 2022 with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI). This has led to the development of industrial, aftersales, and spare parts activities for the FIAT brand and the development of the automotive industry in Algeria said Stellantis.
A first round of investments by the Dutch automotive company and its partners will amount to more than €200 million to produce the four FIAT models.
The introduction of the FIAT brand in Algeria will open the way for Stellantis MEA goal to reach a million vehicles that are sold across the entire region by 2030 with 70% autonomy in regional production.
Stellantis said that the construction phase of its Tafraoui – Oran plant is scheduled to be completed by August 2023. Production for the initial FIAT 500 is planned for the end of this year.
By the year 2026, the Tafraoui – Oran facility will create around 2,000 new local jobs, have a localization rate of more than 30%, have an output of 90,000 units annually and, ultimately, make the four FIAT models.
To provide a superior standard of service for Algerian customers, the sales and aftersales system will be able to cover 28 Wilayas in the country by the end of this year.
Stellantis launches FIAT brand in Algeria with six carlines. Photo courtesy of Stellantis NV.
Samir Cherfan — Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer said: “Stellantis is committed to Algeria and will provide its extensive global and regional know-how in terms of manufacturing and commercial performance. We are bringing this expertise at the service of the FIAT project in Algeria to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing and best-in-class commercial services to ensure the best customer experience in the market.”
The Fiat 500 Hybrid will be available in a hatchback model with a one-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 70HP. It is said to cut CO2 emissions and carbon dioxide by a maximum of 20%.
The Fiat 500X, a small SUV that has an Italian design, comes in two variants, entry level or top of the range featuring a 1.4 petrol 140HP engine with dual-clutch gearbox. Its connectivity is offered via Uconnect 7.7″ HD LIVE touchscreen, that comes with Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility.
According to Stellantis, the Fiat Tipo is available in the sedan body and is equipped with a 1.6 etorq 110HP with an automatic gear system.
On the other hand, the Fiat Doblo is a van that comes with a 1.6 HDI 90HP engine with a manual transmission, and load capacities of up to one ton.
The Fiat Scudo is also a van but will be equipped with a 2.0 HDI 150HP manual transmission engine while having the capacity to carry loads that can weigh up to 1.4 tons.
The Fiat Ducato van has a 2.2 diesel 140HP manual transmission engine that is equipped with a load capacity of up to 2.2 tons.
Recently, Stellantis signed a deal worth $155 million to acquire a 14.2% stake in McEwen Copper, which owns the Los Azules copper project in Argentina and the Elder Creek project in the US.