The Fiat Group was happy to announce that new engines for it’s sport premium brand Alfa Romeo will be build in the FPT plant of Pratola Serra, in the southern province of Avellino. From the beginning of 2013, all new 1750 TBI engines will be build by the approximately 1600 employees, and hopefully ensures a boost in sales and growth in local employment. During the last few months, there was rising uncertainty about the future and destiny of the employees with massive strikes as a consequence.

The new 4 cilinder engines, made entirely from alumium as we commented earlier, are of the highest standard, complying with future Euro 6 and US Tier2Bin5 regulations. The technology includes the latest 200 bar pressure (2900 psi) direct fuel injection, with continuous variable valve timing. Ultimately the 4C, Giulia, SUV (Kamal) and Duetto Spider will be powered by the TBI. According to Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester, also responsable as CEO of Maserati, the production of new engines is vital for a full comeback of the brand within the Fiat Group, and not only. As we know by now a renewed introduction in the US car marke,t although postponed, is still a very important step according to Wester.

The Italian Union Unione Generale del Lavoro (UGL) iin the meantime has replied on the latest industrial plans of the Group. Local members Constantinio Vassilidis and Antonio Oliviero from the metal workers department said that “the Ugl is happy with the announcements made by Sergio Marchionne, but we would like to see more details and warranties.” Antonio d’Anolfo, national segretary of the UGL also expressed his joy for the Pratola Serra and Mirafiori plans, where Fiat will build a new Jeep together with the MiTo which also get’s an update later on. Witihin this respect D’Anolfo emphasized  the need  for “a strong model which can really perform on the international market and can guarantee a sustainable labour force. We’re waiting for the details confirming these future investments.” Whilst doing much a of their business abroad, a large concentration of around 45% of the Fiat Group is still employed in Italy.