Alexandre
The Mirafiori plant, the historic birthplace of Fiatwill experience a new period of inactivity, prolonging an already worrying situation for Italian workers and the automotive sector. Stellantisthe automotive giant born of the merger between PSA and FCA, announced a production shutdown from April 2 to 20 for the Fiat 500 electric and Maserati Granturismo and Grancabrio models. This decision has a direct impact on 2,240 employees, marking an continuation of the disruptions begun at the start of the yearwhere seven weeks of downtime had already been recorded.
This suspension of activity adds to a series of interruptions that have characterized the year 2023, underlining the challenges facing the Italian automotive industry, and the Mirafiori plant in particular. Luigi Paone, General Secretary of Uilm Torino, expresses his concern, saying it is " increasingly clear that Mirafiori needs a new business model." . It calls on the institutions to speed up the development of strategies aimed at offering prospects and a future to Turin's entire automotive sector. For its part, Fiom-Cgil criticizes the decision, regarding it as a worsening of an already critical situation.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty, rumours emerged around ten days ago that the Mirafiori plant might start producing production of Chinese Leapmotor vehiclesa company in which Stellantis holds a 21 % stake. This prospect could represent a historic turning point for the plant.
These developments come at a time when the global automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, with increasing pressure to adopt electric cars. The Mirafiori plant, with its rich history and emblematic place in the hearts of Italians, is at a crossroads.
In this period of transition, workers and unions are calling for a coherent strategy that can revitalize the plant and guarantee job security for the thousands of people who depend on its success.
It just goes to show that the electric future is a sham, and sales are far from a success. Until they understand that hybridization is vital... it's a lost cause:
Thermal
Hybrid
Electric
I don't understand the pricing of the 500e. Its too expensive compared to the 600 and once the Panda arrives it will completely overshadow the 500e. I think without a major upgrade in performance/range the 500e will just fade away.
This proves that the Fiat 500e isn't selling enough in certain countries outside France and Germany. And yet it's an excellent city car, but when there's not enough infrastructure, you buy a combustion-powered car.
In Switzerland 🇨🇭 they have the infrastructure and the financial means, but that's not why they sell.
Things are looking up for Stellantis in Italy. The unions, the government and the media will be up in arms again, and John Elkann won't be able to hide for much longer.
It is also potentially a strategy for Stellantis to reduce its production capacity and costs in Italy despite the commitments made at the time of the merger. As Marco said above, weaken the 500th ex FCA with the arrival of the 600, Ypsilon, Panda, Pandina. And attempt, via Leapmotor or other means, a gradual disengagement under the guise of a rescue operation.
Machiavelli is no longer Italian either...