Alexandre
The Italian automotive scene could soon be in for a major new twist, with the possible takeover of a former Maserati plant by a former Chinese partner of Stellantis. This news, still at the rumor stage but increasingly insistent, is stirring up Italian industrial and political spheres. At the heart of this speculation is Dongfeng, a state-owned Chinese automaker based in Wuhan, which could well become the new buyer of a historic site in Italy.
An imminent agreement with the Italian government
According to well-informed sources, an agreement between the Italian government and Dongfeng is close to being finalized, giving the Chinese automaker a solid foothold in Italy. The agreement would make Dongfeng the first Chinese automaker to have a full-fledged production base in Italy, with a plant capable of producing up to 100,000 vehicles a year. This would be a significant step forward for China in the European automotive sector.
The proposed site for this new industrial venture is the former Maserati plant in Grugliasco, in the Piedmont region of Italy. on sale for almost 1 yearor perhaps a former Olivetti site in Canavese, where the Italvolt project failed. These sites could find a new lease of life under the Chinese banner.
The end of a collaboration, the beginning of a competition?
Dongfeng is no stranger to Stellantis. Indeed, a decade ago, this Chinese manufacturer had been a key player in the recapitalization of PSA PeugeotThe company acquired a 14 % stake in the French company. With the creation of Stellantis, this stake was reduced to around 1.5 %, but the links between the two entities remained. However, Stellantis has recently shown its intention to separate itself from this partner, notably through a series of share buy-backs.
But while Stellantis was looking to break free from Dongfeng, the Chinese automaker could well bounce back in Italy, this time as a direct competitor. Thanks to investment funds attracted by the Italian government, Dongfeng would be able to transform a former Maserati plant into an all-Chinese production hub, with the active support of the Italian state.
Unions optimistic
There are still many uncertainties surrounding this project. The unions, on the other hand, seem optimistic. CGIL's Giorgio Airaudo spoke of the possibility of creating between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs, not only in the assembly line, but also in the entire surrounding industrial ecosystem. However, some observers remain cautious, recalling the bitter failure of the Italvolt project, which had raised high hopes before ending in a fiasco.
The Italian government, aware of the stakes involved, is actively working on a "Piedmont Dossier" that includes several development avenues, as Andrea Tronzano, the regional assessor, pointed out. According to him, the region, the historic cradle of the Italian automotive industry, remains an attractive area for international investors. And as we mentioned yesterdaya meeting is scheduled in China with the Italian government to explore new industrial collaborations.
A tricky situation for Stellantis
For Stellantis, the situation is delicate, to say the least. The Italian government could use this opportunity to put pressure on Stellantis and demand clear commitments in exchange for new financial support, while the automotive group has started assembly of Chinese Leapmotor cars in Poland.
It's perdition...
Stellantis is up to no good, he has a great MASERATI brand in his hands. They didn't know how to make the most of it, and now they want to get rid of Maserati.
Ok I just hope that en will be able to keep Maserati as they are that en won't electrify them.
Stellantis had so many advantages with Maserati, taking advantage of the Levante SUV to make a real Peugeot SUV for once, and even an Alfa Romeo and so on... so on... too stupid all that. Stellantis acquire a prestige brand and then they don't know what to do with it.
Well, for me it's always been a Wish Mark.
Could the Chinese buy Maserati in the process? Like they did with Volvo, which survived thanks to them. Jaguar is well in Indian hands, as is Rover I believe, so I don't see any harm in that. We'd finally have competent people, with unlimited resources and cutting-edge technologies! The Chinese love Italian luxury, and with Chinese technology, it would be a hit!
Stellantis is worthless.