An assembly plant for Fiat 500L, a new model by the Italian car manufacturer, will be ceremonially opened in the second half of April in the presence of Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne.

The schedule of Marchionne's visits to Belgrade and Kragujevac will be announced in the coming weeks, Fiat spokesperson Richard Gadeselli told Belgrade daily Blic.

Marchionne and Serbian President Boris Tadic attended the world premier of Fiat 500L at the Geneva Motor Show two weeks ago.

On the occasion, Marchionne said that the car maker's goal is to sell 160.000 Fiat 500L units in 2013.

Serbian President Boris Tadic stated that the premiere of Fiat 500L, which is to be made in Kragujevac, promoted not only the new Fiat car but also Serbia.

Tadic pointed out that the Fiat 500L production would mean a EUR 1.5 billion growth in GDP and exports.

The Fiat-Chrysler company announced early February that the starting cost of a Fiat 500L unit will amount to about EUR 16,000, and that the model will be produced in two gasoline versions and one with a diesel engine.