Stellantis abandons batteries, invests 41 million euros in combustion engines and plans to relaunch the V6 engine

The plant Stellantis Termoli continues to be the focal point of the Group's industrial stakes in Italy. After months of uncertainty linked to the abandonment of the battery gigafactory project led by ACC, the automaker unveiled new investments and confirmed several activities for this historic site. At the heart of the announcement: an investment of 41 million euros and the arrival of new production for the Group's hybrid models.

41 million investment to produce a new hybrid gearbox

At a meeting held in Rome with trade unions, Stellantis detailed the near future of the Termoli site. The Group confirmed a 41 million euro investment to launch production of the eDCT gearbox, a transmission used on many of its brands' hybrid models.

Production is scheduled to start officially on September 15, 2026. Preparatory work has already begun, and installation of the new lines should be completed by the end of April. Pre-production runs are planned between June and July to prepare for the ramp-up. This new activity will not be limited to assembly: the plant will also carry out certain upstream manufacturing operations. Eventually, production of this transmission could require some 288 additional employees.

For Stellantis, this decision is clearly intended to compensate in part for the abandonment of the ACC gigafactory project, which was to transform the site into a battery factory.

Three engines confirmed, including Maserati V6

In parallel with this new production, Stellantis has confirmed that it will maintain the three engines currently assembled at Termoli.

The GSE FireFly engine, which powers several of the Group's models, will be adapted to the future Euro 7 standard to extend its industrial life beyond 2030. The GME engine also remains on the program, even if its dependence on the American market raises certain questions for the future.

Finally, the V6 engine, used notably by Maserati and in the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, will also continue to be produced at Termoli. Volumes are currently limited due to the trident brand's modest sales, but Stellantis says it plans to increase production in the coming years.

A plant still under pressure despite announcements

These new activities should help stabilize the site's activity, but the social situation remains delicate. The plant currently employs around 1,780 people, and according to the unions, there could be a surplus of almost 400 positions by the end of the year.

Some of these employees, around 180 people, could be temporarily transferred to other Group plants. Stellantis also intends to use voluntary retirement and solidarity schemes to limit the social impact. The group has also begun to reintegrate Italian employees who previously worked on the ACC gigafactory project.

Termoli remains a strategic site... but the future remains to be written

In the short term, the arrival of the eDCT gearbox and the evolution of the GSE engine should enable the site to maintain its industrial activity. But for unions and local authorities alike, the long-term question remains open.

They are now awaiting Stellantis' next industrial plan for Italy, due to be presented on May 21. The aim will be to guarantee new production to compensate for the potential downsizing of certain engines.