<p>The proposal marks the first significant step toward integration in Europe between the Italian and US automakers since Fiat took control of Chrysler with a 20-per cent stake in June 2009. <br /><br />In the US, Fiat has launched the iconic, subcompact 500 and has started to build engines with Fiat technology at US plants. <br /><br />Marchionne made the proposal during ongoing talks with Mirafiori unions seeking more flexible work rules, as Fiat is doing at all its Italian plants as a condition for €20 billion ($26.64 billion) investment to increase production at the underutilized factories. <br /><br />Under the proposal, Fiat and Chrysler would invest a total €1 billion in the Mirafiori plant, proportional to the volumes produced by each brand. Mirafiori would produce up to 280,000 cars — including Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands — a year by 2012, more than half for export, especially to North America, Fiat said. That compares with 178,000 last year. <br /><br />The Mirafiori plan would help Fiat reach a milestone to raise its share of Chrysler by providing a way to improve Chrysler sales internationally.</p>
<p>The proposal marks the first significant step toward integration in Europe between the Italian and US automakers since Fiat took control of Chrysler with a 20-per cent stake in June 2009. <br /><br />In the US, Fiat has launched the iconic, subcompact 500 and has started to build engines with Fiat technology at US plants. <br /><br />Marchionne made the proposal during ongoing talks with Mirafiori unions seeking more flexible work rules, as Fiat is doing at all its Italian plants as a condition for €20 billion ($26.64 billion) investment to increase production at the underutilized factories. <br /><br />Under the proposal, Fiat and Chrysler would invest a total €1 billion in the Mirafiori plant, proportional to the volumes produced by each brand. Mirafiori would produce up to 280,000 cars — including Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands — a year by 2012, more than half for export, especially to North America, Fiat said. That compares with 178,000 last year. <br /><br />The Mirafiori plan would help Fiat reach a milestone to raise its share of Chrysler by providing a way to improve Chrysler sales internationally.</p>
