FCA to Build Two New Engines at Italy Plant

FCA says two new engines for Alfa Romeo will go into production at the automaker’s Termoli, Italy, plant.

The first engine is a high-output 4-cyl., while the second is a Ferrari-derived 6-cyl. mill, which has been modified for Alfa Romeo. Both engines will play an important role in the brand’s global relaunch, FCA says.

“This high-tech project is an integral part of our bet on Alfa Romeo,” CEO Sergio Marchionne says in a statement.

Installed production capacity for the two engines will be more than 200,000 units, making the plant capable of meeting half of the total volume projected for Alfa Romeo by 2018.

FCA is investing $540 million to retool the plant, including the addition of new production lines. Work on the retooling already is under way and set to be concluded within six months.

When new engine production commences, employees on temporary layoff at the plant will be called back, bringing the total number of workers to 2,400. Fifty new hires will be added for certain roles, including staffing a third shift for transmission production at the facility.

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