Alexandre
Stellantis production crisis hits particularly hard the Maserati factory in Modena. According to the latest Fim-Cisl report, production has plummeted at several of the Group's Italian plants. In Modena, the decline is 75.8 %, with only 220 cars produced in the third quarter of 2024.. This is an alarming figure for a historic site that builds iconic models such as the Maserati MC20 and is preparing for the launch of the electric version, the MC20 Folgore, due in 2025.
A general decline in production
The Fim-Cisl report paints a bleak picture of production at all Stellantis sites in Italy. In addition to Modena, other plants are showing significant declines: at Cassino, where the Maserati Grecale SUV is assembled, production has fallen by 47 %, while at Pomigliano and Atessa, which had posted positive results in the first half of the year, there are now decreases of 5.5 % and 10.2 % respectively.
On the whole, Group production for the first nine months of 2024 down 31 % with only 387,600 vehicles produced. Passenger cars suffered particularly badly, dropping 40.7 % to 237,700 units, while light commercial vehicles were down 10.2 % to 149,900 units.
A mobilization of trade unions
Faced with this unprecedented situation, the trade unions have stepped up to the plate. Fim-Cisl, along with Fiom and Uilm, have announced an 8-hour strike across the entire automotive sector and subcontracting companies on October 18, 2024. A demonstration is planned in Rome, supported by assemblies at all the sites concerned, including Modena.
According to Ferdinando Uliano, General Secretary of Fim-Cisl, "the current situation is unprecedented. He believes that the production targets set for 2030, which were aimed at one million vehicles a year, are slipping further away, while production in 2023, already down, had reached 751,000 units.
The government comes into play (again)
In this tense context, the Italian government was asked to intervene. Several motions, presented by both the opposition and the ruling parties, call for Stellantis management to be summoned to clarify its industrial strategy in Italy. The aim is to understand the reasons for job cuts, and to reassess union agreements.
The current situation in Modena reflects the wider difficulties facing the Stellantis Group, which is facing major structural challenges in a rapidly changing automotive market. The Maserati situation is all the more intriguing (but not surprising) given that it This contrasts with Lamborghini and Ferrari, which posted record figures.
Maserati must leave the Stellantis fold. Too damaging for the brand to remain within this moribund group. Isn't it too late!
Stellantis doesn't understand luxury and sports cars. Alfa Romeo should also leave Stellantis.
And while we're at it, Fiat, Abarth and Lancia too.
Aston, Jaguar and Maserati... same battle.
Maserati was already too expensive compared to the competition, but it stood out.
Since the arrival of Scrooge, vehicles have fallen into line and prices have skyrocketed.
When you see the prices of these 2 competing brands, they're within the norm, but there's no renewal of products, alas.
The only way to save Maserati is to bring it back under the Ferrari umbrella and then, in a few years' time, have it stand on its own like Ferrari. The same should be done for Alfa and Lancia, using a common platform and a common engine and hybrid system, while each retaining its own identity and limiting the number of high-profit models until we see how things stand between now and 2035.