Fiat workers agree to concessions at former Bertone plant

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been working hard to improve the automaker's labor situation in Italy, and it appears the effort is beginning to pay off. Automotive News reports that Fiat has come to an agreement with the union at the former Bertone plant, with increased work shifts and more flexible overtime as part of the agreement. The union initially turned down an offer from Fiat, which prompted the Italian automaker to suspend plans to rebuild the plant.

The agreement, which was agreed to by 88 percent of the workforce, makes way for Fiat to invest $739 million to overhaul the facility. Fiat plans to make the next generation Maserati Quattroporte at the facility, which has a reported launch date of mid-2013. The plant is also scheduled to build a midsize Maserati that will be tasked to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and the BMW 5 Series. The sedan is scheduled to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2012.