Stellantis Announces a New ‘Modern and Compact’ Car to Save Its Plant, Which Has Been Hit by a Series of Production Shutdowns

While the factory Stellantis At the Mirafiori plant in Turin, which continues to experience repeated periods of short-time work, an announcement could finally restore hope among employees. Arnaud Belloni, the new CEO of Fiat, Lancia, and Abarth, has confirmed that a second model is being considered for the Italian plant. It will be a «very compact,» «modern,» and, above all, «extremely competitive» car that could arrive sooner than expected.

A factory that is still struggling to reach sufficient production volumes

For several months now, the situation at Mirafiori has been a cause for concern. Following the launch of the Fiat 500 hybrid—which was supposed to help revive production alongside the electric version—the outlook seemed promising. But the expected sales volumes have gradually been revised downward.

While Stellantis initially projected annual production of 100,000 to 120,000 cars, forecasts have now dropped to around 60,000 units. And with the numerous production stoppages, even this target may not be met. Admittedly, production is expected to double by 2025, but that remains far from enough to ensure steady work for employees. After a four-week shutdown in August, several interruptions in September, and new periods of short-time work announced for October, concerns persist.

For months, if not years, the unions have been demanding one thing: the allocation of a second model to Mirafiori.

A «very compact» car that is expected to arrive sooner than planned

And in fact, the surprise came from Arnaud Belloni, the new head of Fiat, Lancia, and Abarth, who confirmed that he is working on a new vehicle intended for the Turin plant. «We’re working on a second model at Mirafiori, in addition to the 500. […] We’re working on a very compact and extremely competitive car, in the same vein as the 2CV, but not retro—much more modern. A totally different approach.»

A particularly interesting statement, especially since the executive suggests that the project is already well underway. «We’re working very hard on this; it will happen sooner than you think.» A very compact, affordable car with a different approach than the Fiat 500—that’s enough to pique our curiosity. But above all, under what brand will this new model be marketed?

What if Stellantis were working on a new Lancia?

Here at Italpassion, this announcement reminds us of a piece of information we gathered on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Auto Show. When we asked our sources, off the record, about the future of Lancia, we were told that Arnaud Belloni was indeed working on reviving the brand with models based on Fiat designs, just like in the good old days.

Given that, it’s hard not to draw the connection. Arnaud Belloni also heads Lancia. And a modern, compact, and competitive small car could be the perfect fit for the brand’s return to the small city car segment. Why not a new Lancia Y10? Or a Lancia Musa?

Of course, at this point, this is just our hypothesis. A Fiat is also a possibility. But Stellantis is already planning a new electric Fiat for 2028 at another plant, which we believe could be the next Panda. Or perhaps the group will choose to split production, with an electric version built in Pomigliano d’Arco and a hybrid version in Mirafiori?

For now, Arnaud Belloni has not revealed the name, brand, or launch date of this mysterious car. But one thing is certain: for the Mirafiori employees, who have long been waiting for a second model, this announcement finally offers a glimmer of hope. It remains to be seen when it will become a reality.