Fiat says may produce new Doblo model in Turkey

ISTANBUL (Reuters) -- CEO Sergio Marchionne said today there was a more than 50 percent chance the Italian carmaker would produce the new version of its Doblo minivan in Turkey.

Speaking at the launch of the new Linea sedan in Turkey, Marchionne told reporters Fiat was still talking about the production of the new Doblo with its Turkish partners.

"There is a probability of more than 50 percent that it (the new Doblo) will be produced here," he said in comments translated into Turkish. "Currently, talks on this are continuing."

Fiat produces the latest version of the Doblo, along with other models, at a plant in Bursa through its Tofas joint venture with Turkish conglomerate Koc Holding.

Marchionne said Fiat's relations with Tofas and the plant's location argued in favor of producing the new version in Turkey.

Tofas produces vehicles both for domestic and foreign markets. Earlier this year, Tofas said it planned to invest $1 billion in new models to more than double production by 2008.

It produced 180,000 autos and exported about 120,000 in 2006, posting $1.2 billion in revenues.