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Stellantis is trying to send a clear message to workers, unions, and government officials in Italy: the company is not planning to close any of its Italian manufacturing facilities.
During a meeting with Italian labor unions in Rome on Monday, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Enlarged Europe, Emanuele Cappellano, outlined the company’s future strategy for Italy and emphasized that every major plant in the country will continue to play a role in the automaker’s long-term plans.
The discussion comes just weeks after Stellantis unveiled its updated business strategy during Investor Day in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where the company outlined its roadmap for the years ahead under the leadership of new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Antonio Filosa.
Jeep® Compass (J4U) Production at the Melfi Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).
Italy Remains A Key Piece Of Stellantis’ Future
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Italy Remains A Key Piece Of Stellantis’ Future
A Defined Role For Every Major Plant
Questions Still Remain At Mirafiori
Looking Ahead
According to a Reuters report, Cappellano told union representatives that Stellantis sees Italy as an important part of its future manufacturing footprint. The executive noted that the company is seeing encouraging signs in the Italian market, including improving demand, stronger market share, increased production activity, and fewer furloughs at several facilities.
Those comments are particularly significant given the uncertainty that has surrounded parts of Stellantis’ European operations over the past several years. Weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs), changing emissions regulations, and rising production costs have fueled speculation about potential plant closures throughout Europe.
For now, Stellantis appears determined to reassure employees that Italy remains central to its plans.
Alfa Romeo Giulia production at the Cassino Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).
A Defined Role For Every Major Plant
The automaker also outlined how each facility will fit into its future strategy.
At the Pomigliano Assembly Plant, Stellantis plans to focus on affordable EV production. The facility currently builds the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the long-running Fiat Panda, making it an important part of the company’s effort to offer lower-cost electrified vehicles.
Meanwhile, Mirafiori Assembly Plant will continue serving as a hub for industrial innovation and small vehicle production. The Turin-area facility currently manufactures both the Fiat 500e and the recently introduced Fiat 500 Hybrid.
The Melfi Assembly Plant, which builds vehicles such as the Jeep® Compass (J4U), DS N°8, and the upcoming Lancia Gamma, will continue supporting Stellantis’ premium vehicle portfolio.
Cassino Assembly Plant remains home to production of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Maserati Grecale. Along with Melfi and Modena, Cassino is expected to support the company’s premium and luxury vehicle strategy moving forward.
Modena Assembly Plant continues to play a critical role for Maserati, producing specialty models including the MCPura, GT2 Stradale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio.
Atessa Assembly Plant, Stellantis’ largest European light commercial vehicle facility, will remain a cornerstone of the company’s commercial van business. The plant produces vehicles for Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, with daily output capable of reaching approximately 1,200 units.
Fiat 500 Hybrid Production at the Mirafiori Plant. (Stellantis).
Questions Still Remain At Mirafiori
While Stellantis’ message was largely positive, challenges remain.
According to Italpassion, Mirafiori continues to face production interruptions despite hopes that the Fiat 500 Hybrid would help revive the historic facility. When the model was introduced, it was viewed as a key product that could restore manufacturing volume after the Fiat 500e struggled to meet expectations.
However, recent production numbers suggest that recovery may take longer than anticipated.
Union figures cited by Italpassion indicate that Mirafiori produced only around 15,000 vehicles during the past three months. Based on that pace, reaching Stellantis’ previously discussed target of 100,000 Fiat 500 Hybrid units annually could prove difficult. Current estimates suggest annual production may settle closer to 70,000 vehicles instead.
Those realities highlight the balancing act Stellantis faces as it works to maintain production levels while adapting to changing consumer demand and shifting market conditions.
Maserati MCPura Production at Modena. (Maserati).
Looking Ahead
Cappellano told unions that the company’s latest strategy represents a natural evolution of the industrial plan Stellantis presented to the Italian government in late 2024. According to the executive, the commitments made under that earlier plan have largely been achieved—and in some cases exceeded.
With Filosa scheduled to address the Italian parliament this week, Stellantis is clearly attempting to reinforce confidence in its manufacturing future. While challenges remain, particularly at Mirafiori, the company’s latest message is straightforward: Italy remains an essential part of Stellantis’ global strategy, and its plants are expected to remain open for the foreseeable future.
Sources: Reuters, Italpassion
Robert S. Miller