Algiers (Agencies): Italian carmaker Fiat has officially opened its maiden manufacturing plant in Tafraoui, Algeria, marking a significant partnership with the Stellantis joint venture involving Chrysler and PSA Group.
The inauguration ceremony in the north-western province of Oran was attended by key figures, including Algerian Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production Ali Aoun, Stellantis Managing Director Carlos Tavares, and Italy’s Deputy Minister of Business Valentino Valentini.
The plant’s opening focuses on the production of popular Fiat models, including the Fiat 500 and Fiat Doblò. With an annual production capacity of 90,000 cars, the facility is anticipated to contribute significantly to the local automotive sector. The partnership, initiated in October 2022, has already generated 500 direct jobs in Algeria, with plans to increase the workforce to 1,200 by the end of 2024 and 2,000 by 2026. Additionally, the collaboration is expected to create around 1,600 indirect supplier roles.
The inauguration event emphasized Fiat’s commitment to local manufacturing, reflecting the brand’s popularity in Algeria. The move comes as a strategic effort to revive the country’s automobile industry, which faced challenges in 2019 due to the government’s decision to halt car imports and close assembly factories. The new Fiat plant is poised to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Algerian automobile sector and boosting economic development in the region.