Stellantis reassures on the future of Italian plants, except for one

The Group Stellantis recently met with unions and the Italian government to discuss the future of automobile production in Italy. While the Group has announced new models for the Cassino, Mirafiori and Melfi plants, the Pomigliano plant does not seem to be benefiting from the same dynamic. The FIM CISL and FIOM CGIL trade unions have expressed their opinions and concerns on this subject.

At the meeting at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), Stellantis confirmed the importance of the Cassino. The STLA Large platform will be allocated to it, enabling the production of three new models: the new Stelvio, the new Giulia, and an as yet undefined model. This new platform will bring greater production flexibility and lower costs, as Stellantis representative Davide Mele points out.

FIM CISL General Secretary Ferdinando Uliano said the initiative was crucial to the revival of the Cassino plant. In 2017, with the Giulia and Giulietta models, the plant produced 135,000 units, compared with just 50,000 in 2023. The addition of new models therefore promises a significant increase in production volumes and, it is hoped, in jobs.

The Melfi will produce five new vehicles of different Stellantis brands on the STLA Medium platform. The Mirafiori produces the electric 500, the future 500 hybrid, and dual-clutch gearboxes for various Group models.

By contrast, the Pomigliano is in a more delicate situation. Currently, it produces the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Fiat Panda hybrid, the latter scheduled to run until 2029. However, with the future electric Panda manufactured in Serbia, the competitiveness of the Pomigliano plant is threatened.

FIOM CGIL has expressed its concerns about the absence of new electric models for this plant. According to Samuele Lodi, National Secretary of FIOM-CGIL, extending production of the Pandina will not be enough to compensate for the drop in volumes of current models. He also points out that Stellantis continues to invest in other countries, leaving Pomigliano without prospects.