Stellantis: the Fiat plant returns to full employment for the first time in 20 years

While the Italian automotive industry is going through a difficult period, not all plants are in the same boat. In Termoli, engine production is a cause for concern. At Pomigliano d'Arco, Alfa Romeo Tonale is struggling to keep up with volumes. Cassino suffers from the aging Giulia and Stelvio models. In Modena, Maserati is experiencing turbulence. Nevertheless, one of Fiat's historic sites is poised to reverse the trend: Mirafiori. After almost twenty years of erratic activity, the Turin plant is at last returning to a positive dynamic. An event rare enough to merit a mention.

The Fiat 500 hybrid as saviour

The saviour is the Fiat 500 hybrid. While the past year has been a particularly difficult one for Mirafiori, with production of the electric Fiat 500 unlikely to exceed 30,000 units, the arrival of the hybrid version profoundly changes the situation. The company has set itself the ambitious target of producing 100,000 vehicles a year. The production line is already up and running, and will be ramping up again in March.

It's a powerful symbol for Mirafiori. As of January 1, no employee dedicated to the body shop will be placed on partial unemployment. In parallel, Stellantis will not renew the solidarity contracts of almost 1,900 employees, marking a return to full employment at the site. This is the first time this has happened in almost twenty years. For unions and employees alike, this announcement sounds like a real break with the plant's recent past.

Massive hiring unseen for 20 years

Another strong signal from Stellantis is the launch of a vast recruitment plan. Initially announced at 400, the number of new hires has finally risen to 434. Most of them will be directly linked to Mirafiori, with 410 new employees assigned mainly to the Fiat 500 hybrid line, but also to the plant's other activities. Mirafiori has not seen this level of hiring for some 20 years.

Despite these positive signs, not everything is settled. The unions stress the fragility of this recovery, which is closely linked to the commercial success of the Fiat 500 hybrid. Without the allocation of a second model to be produced at the plant (it's not clear which one would be a candidate), the momentum could quickly run out of steam. The next few months will therefore be decisive. The market will judge the success of the Fiat 500 hybrid. As a reminder, the old Fiat 500 produced in Poland sold 180,000 units a year. After a twenty-year wait, Mirafiori is back. It remains to be seen whether this return to full employment will mark the beginning of a new chapter... or simply a parenthesis.