Toledo may build Alfa SUV based on Liberty

ABC affiliate WTVG of Toledo ran a story suggesting that an Alfa-Romeo SUV based closely on the Jeep Liberty might be built on Toledo, helping the plant to run closer to capacity. Local sources say that Fiat leaders have visited the plant, currently down to one shift, four in recent weeks, taking measurements and analyzing equipment.

The plant has some flex capability, building the Dodge Nitro on the same line as the Liberty (the Nitro shares no sheet metal and has different engines, interiors, and suspension tuning).

The proposed Alfa SUV has apparently already been styled, with a smooth design.

The Jeep Liberty is due to be refreshed for the 2012 model year, and it’s possible that the Alfa SUV will not be produced until then. It could also be introduced earlier, depending on the number of changes from the Liberty and the state of its evolution, but probably not within the next 18 months.

(Thanks, Mark Steppel)