The Future of the Factory Stellantis Cassino’s future may well lie in China. With the Italian plant currently operating at a fraction of its capacity, the group is reportedly seeking an industrial solution capable of quickly restoring production volumes. And among the scenarios being considered is now clearly a partnership with a Chinese automaker. This avenue could involve Leapmotor or Dongfeng, two groups with which Stellantis already maintains close ties.
Only 6,700 cars produced in six months
The situation in Cassino is becoming particularly concerning. According to the Financial Times, only 6,700 cars rolled off the assembly line in the first half of 2026, even though the plant theoretically has an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The approximately 2,200 employees are now only being called in to work a few days a month. The plant currently produces the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio as well as the Maserati Grecale. But these three models no longer generate enough sales volume to keep a plant—which was once one of Fiat’s industrial mainstays—operating normally.
A situation we mentioned recently: Antonio Filosa had confirmed before the Italian Parliament that Cassino's future would be tied to Maserati's future plans, expected before the end of the year. The CEO also revealed that Stellantis was working with potential industrial partners.
Leapmotor or Dongfeng to power Cassino?
The situation now seems to be becoming clearer. According to the Financial Times, the most likely scenario would be for Stellantis to turn to a Chinese partner with whom the group already collaborates. Two names stand out: Leapmotor, whose international operations are managed by Stellantis through their joint venture, and Dongfeng, the group’s long-standing partner in China.
Stellantis is already testing this strategy elsewhere in Europe. Leapmotor is set to begin production in Spain, while Dongfeng has been invited to manufacture models at a Stellantis plant in France. Emanuele Cappellano, head of Stellantis« European operations, is championing this new approach. According to him, working with Chinese automakers not only helps counter their expansion but also represents an opportunity to regain »volume and growth in Europe.” He also notes that a solution for Cassino must be found before the end of the year.
Is this solution also related to Maserati?
This is probably the most interesting point. The Financial Times directly links the search for an industrial partner for Cassino to the discussions regarding Maserati's turnaround.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Maserati would be sold to a Chinese automaker (Maserati is not for sale). On the contrary, Stellantis recently denied this speculation, and Antonio Filosa confirmed that a brand-specific plan would be presented before the end of 2026.
The challenge, then, might be a different one: using an industrial partnership to bring production volumes back to Cassino while maintaining production of future Alfa Romeo and Maserati models. It remains to be seen what form this will take. Production of a Chinese model in Italy, platform sharing, technological cooperation, or a broader project: nothing has been confirmed yet. But with only 6,700 cars produced in six months, Stellantis doesn’t have much time left to restore meaningful production activity at Cassino.
For more information, see the detailed registration figures for’Alfa Romeo for the first half of 2026 and Maserati for the first half of 2026.
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Honestly, I really have a hard time understanding how this factory is still in business!! At 3% capacity, it’s a money pit. Who’s paying for this? The Italian government, which is already broke?
Normally, the new Giulia and Stelvio models should already be in production there and keeping the plant running… but that was just a pipe dream.
At least they're operating; Stellantis has two plants in North America—Belvedere, USA, and Brampton, Canada—that have been closed for over three years.
I knew it and have written about it many times: Stellantis wants the Chinese to get involved. Right alongside their best brands, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. I’m deeply saddened by this insult. Filosa has no passion for these brands. He has weakened their position—especially Alfa Romeo’s—on numerous occasions. In particular, by failing to introduce new Giulia and Stelvio models. Italian politicians must save Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
What a shame that such a major Italian factory is operating at such a slow pace.
Could this be a pricing issue for the models being produced?
The goal is to make affordable cars for more customers, right?
It’s still surprising that Stellantis would rather produce Leapmotor or Dongfeng vehicles there than use the platform for the group’s other brands. A Peugeot or Opel SUV based on the Stelvio could boost sales volume, but instead, Peugeot is set to build an SUV based on Dongfeng, which could itself produce vehicles at a Stellantis plant in Italy.