Chrysler to Make Fiat in Mexico

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Under the direction of Fiat SpA, Chrysler Group LLC is devising plans to produce the Italian auto maker's Fiat 500 subcompact at a Chrysler plant in Mexico, according to people familiar with the matter, while considering what other Fiat models to introduce to the U.S. market.

Chrysler is also looking at making a small Fiat engine for the 500 at a Chrysler plant in Trenton, Mich., and is considering building a Fiat-derived compact car slightly larger than the 500 in the U.S., a person familiar with the plans said.

Chrysler spokesman Gualberto Ranieri declined to comment on the company's product plans, which he said will be announced at a future date.

A decision to make the 500 in Toluca, Mexico, could be an early test for relations between Chrysler's new management and two key owners, the U.S. government and the United Auto Workers union. The plant's workers are represented by a Mexican union, not the UAW.

Great moments in federal bailouts!