Alexandre
The Italian government has taken another step towards protecting its industrial heritage with the publication of a historic decree on September 17, 2024. The decree, signed by the Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, now allows the government to take over emblematic Made in Italy brandsabandoned or unused for more than five years. This initiative aims to ensure that these brands, which are of particular importance to the nation, do not fall into oblivion, and that they are used to strengthen national production.
Background: persistent rumours about Innocenti and Autobianchi
For several months, rumours had been circulating about a the eventual takeover by Chinese companies of historic Italian brands such as Innocenti and Autobianchi, both now part of the Stellantis Group. Both brands, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, have long been inactive. Innocenti had its heyday with the production of an Italian version of the Mini, while Autobianchi, renowned for its urban models such as the A112, appealed to compact car enthusiasts.
In recent months, there have been rumors that the Italian government is considering taking over these brands and selling them to foreign companies, including Chinese manufacturers, provided they undertake to produce in Italy. This strategy was part of a wider effort to revive Italian automotive production and attract foreign investment, while preserving the integrity of the Made in Italy brands.
New decree allows recovery of unused trademarks
The official decree will be published in September 2024, in application of law 206/2023, provides a framework for the takeover of discontinued or unused trademarks. The Italian government now reserves the right to take over ownership of these trademarks if they have not been used for at least five years. Once under public control, these trademarks may be transferred, in the form of a free license, to domestic or foreign companies wishing to invest in the country or relocate their production to Italy.
This measure aims to prevent the disappearance of historic brands that have contributed to the international reputation of Made in Italy. In particular, it protects brands that have been in continuous use for at least 50 years and enjoy a high level of market recognition.
Tensions between Stellantis and the government
The decree comes against a backdrop of tense relations between Stellantis and the Italian government. These tensions were heightened when Stellantis decided to produce the new Fiat Panda in Serbia, triggering hostilities. the Italian authorities, who are demanding that production be relocated to Italy. Minister Adolfo Urso has repeatedly expressed his desire to increase Italian production to 1 million vehicles a year, and to attract foreign manufacturers, notably Chinese, to strengthen the sector.
Carlos Tavares was asked about the takeover of the Innocenti and Autobianchi brands, CEO of Stellantis, ducked the issue. We already have 15 brands, that's enough," he said. He pointed out that the group already managed a wide range of brands, including Maserati for luxury, Alfa Romeo and Lancia for premium, and Fiat for mass-market, while also integrating Chinese brand Leapmotor. "We have enough to do," he added, seeming to indicate that Stellantis would not be interested in reactivating these former brands.
Renaissance to come for Innocenti or Autobianchi?
The decree paves the way for the takeover of brands such as Innocenti and Autobianchi, and their future exploitation by other players now seems possible. Time will tell whether these brands will be reborn in a new form in a country that remains deeply attached to its automotive industry. In the meantime, this decree marks a new era in the protection of Made in Italy, and could well change the situation for other brands abandoned by major international groups. The publication of the decree also coincides withhe Chinese group visited several plants in the Turin region.
What about European and international law? Would Italy's initiative (the robbery) be recognized outside Italy?
Bravo, Italy is right. That said, in the 80s and 90s, Italy should have refused Fiat's purchase of Lancia and Alfa, creating a monopoly in the Italian market, which allowed Fiat to sleep on its laurels and find itself in near-bankruptcy in early 2000. That's where we are today, thanks to the schemes of the Agbelli family, who thought they could do anything. Where are the Agbelli now? As for Tavares's condescending remarks, if he knew how to make cars, we'd know, DS is a flop, pure fake, and the new Lancia and Alfa from Stellantis aren't beautiful or expensive. At least shut him up.
The need for vehicles should be divided by 15 if we change our way of life to collective cabs. Carmakers need to change their business plans to become cab companies.
Natural resources must be preserved, there is no Planet B
Ah, are we going to take a cab for 500 kms?
It's going to be a bit expensive, I think. And not very practical either.
I travel by car, and I have no intention of changing. Not even to take the train, because I don't like SNCF. But why not fly?
First stop these planes ( tourism) boats ( idem) polluting ....... these trucks every 20 meters!!! And many other things ..... our cars hardly pollute any more -
Make us real engines (non-polluting) with diesel and pleasure horses.
Non-pollutants and diesel in the same sentence...
The Chinese already own Volvo, Lotus, MG ... why not Innocenti and Autobianchi! But building small, electric and above all profitable cars in Western Europe is virtually mission impossible. It's already a monstrous headache in Central and Eastern Europe!
Bravo, the innocent, autobianchi spirit must be reborn, and especially with internal combustion engines. Enough of the ideology of escrological warming.
Carlos Tavares knows what he's doing, but the STELLANTIS group doesn't have any low-cost products like Dacia, so this could be an opportunity with Autobianchi or Innocenti.
You are clueless. You don't stop producing ice cars and go fully electric and expect to do well. Look at Toyota?