Alexandre
The Termoli plant is at a turning point in its history. It is historically known for producing engines, notably the GSE 1.0L, 1.5L, the 2.0L GME and the 3.0L V6 Nettuno. However, the future of this plant seems uncertain, due to developments in the automotive market and strategic changes within the Group.
The ACC project: an uncertain future for batteries?
The Termoli plant was eventually to be transformed into a battery production plant thanks to the ACC (Automotive Cells Company) project. This project, which was part of the Stellantis to strengthen its electric vehicle portfolio, looked promising. However, sales forecasts for electric vehicles were deemed too low, leading the Group to reassess this ambition. The battery project seems to have been abandoned for the time beingACC is expected to make an official statement on the situation by the first half of 2025. This delay puts additional pressure on the Termoli plant, which is already facing industrial conversion challenges.
eDCT gearboxes: a new direction
Pending resolution of the battery issue, Stellantis has taken the following decision add production of eDCT gearboxes at the Termoli plant. This seems to be a strategic choice, as the increasing volume of hybrid cars will require more adapted gearboxes. However, this new activity will probably not be sufficient to occupy all the plant's production capacity.
Phasing out combustion engines
Another factor weighing heavily on the plant's future is the forthcoming end of internal combustion engine production. Alfa Romeo has announced discontinuation of Giulia and Stevlio models with 2.0L GME and V6 engines. The Alfa Romeo Tonale, currently equipped with the 1.5L MHEV engine, will be renewed in 2027, and it is highly likely that this engine will no longer be used by then.
Added to this are sales of Maseratis, also equipped with V6 engines, which are declining year on year. These trends clearly show that the Termoli plant seems to be finished with combustion engines. To date, there is no sign that Stellantis intends to invest in and develop the GSE, GME and V6 engines produced at this plant.
The future of the plant: what solutions are needed to guarantee its long-term future?
Between 2025 and 2030, the Termoli plant will still have production volumes to meet, in particular for the Fiat 500 hybrid and the Fiat Panda hybrid, which will require GSE 1.0L 70 hp engines. But is this enough to guarantee the plant's future? The unions, and in particular FIM-CISL, have already stressed the importance of the allocation of new engines and the confirmation of battery production at Termoli. Maintaining the 2,000 direct and indirect employees who depend directly on the plant is a priority to ensure its future.
The ACC project, with its ambitious objectives, seemed to be an ideal conversion solution for the plant, but at the moment it's not, it remains dependent on the success of the first French plant, which is already experiencing profitability difficulties. If this project doesn't materialize, we'll have to find other alternatives to keep the plant afloat.