It’s a significant day for the Italian automotive sector. After months of uncertainty and tensions, the Meloni government and Stellantis, the giant born from the merger of Fiat-FCA and Peugeot-PSA, have signed the much anticipated agreement. The “Piano Italia” marks a crucial step, a shared commitment to revitalize Italy’s automotive industry.
The journey began with a key meeting at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) in Rome, where Ministers Adolfo Urso, Giancarlo Giorgetti, and Marina Calderone sat down with Jean Philippe Imparato, Stellantis’ European head, to outline the terms of their partnership. On one side, the Meloni government, eager to change course after months of criticism towards the EU for its rigid Green Deal policies. On the other, Stellantis, called upon to demonstrate a concrete commitment to productive and employment growth in Italy.
At the heart of the pact is the “Piano Italia”: a 2 billion euro investment in 2025, allocated to Italian factories, with a clear promise, no plant closures. Pomigliano, Mirafiori, Cassino, Melfi, and Modena, the symbolic factories of Italian automotive, will remain active and part of a long-term industrial project.
The government aims to balance sustainability and competitiveness, overcoming the strictures imposed by the EU’s Green Deal. Minister Urso stated clearly: “We can get Italian and European automotive back on the right track. We must do it with pragmatism and realism”. The “Piano Italia” not only ensures continued production but also opens new horizons with the launch of hybrid and electric models. The new Fiat 500 hybrid and the Pandora are examples, and by 2028, Stellantis’ Small platform should emerge in Pomigliano, focusing on smaller, modern city cars.
However, there are critics. Maurizio Landini, leader of CGIL, called the agreement “transitory,” emphasizing that 2025 will be a “harsh” year for many workers, with extensive use of layoffs. For Landini, there are no sufficient guarantees regarding employment or working conditions.
Yet, the government and Stellantis appear determined not to leave anything to chance. Jean-Philippe Imparato, for his part, spoke of a “new era” for Stellantis, eager to collaborate with Italy to tackle global challenges. “We must be ready, he said, facing the future without fear”.
And now, with John Elkann’s planned appearance in Parliament, dialogue between Stellantis and Italian institutions becomes tighter. He will clarify Stellantis’ future prospects in an upcoming parliamentary hearing, hoping that today’s agreement turns into a true opportunity for growth and innovation.
The “Piano Italia” has just begun, but challenges remain. Will Stellantis and the government successfully navigate this complex path? Only time will tell.
INTERVIEW WITH A CAR EXPERT
Interviewer: How is Stellantis doing across its car brands right now?
Expert: Stellantis is facing challenges but making changes. Here’s a quick look at its brands:
• Fiat: Important in Europe but losing sales in key markets. The Fiat 500e is doing well in the EV space.
• Jeep: Struggling in the U.S. with a 6% drop in sales. It’s focusing on EVs like the Avenger in Europe and hybrids in the U.S.
• Alfa Romeo: Growing in the premium market with the Giulia and Stelvio thanks to their design and private buyers.
• Peugeot and Citroën: Doing well with small EVs like the Peugeot e-208, while balancing sales of regular cars.
• Maserati: Shifting to EVs with models like the GranTurismo Folgore.
Interviewer: What about EVs, hybrids, and petrol cars?
Expert: Stellantis is moving toward electrification:
• EVs: Models like the Fiat 500e and Peugeot e-208 are top in Europe. Adoption in the U.S. and Asia is slower.
• Hybrids: Bridging the gap in areas with less EV infrastructure, especially with Jeep and Peugeot hybrids.
• Petrol/Diesel: Sales are falling due to regulations, but they’re still key in developing markets.
Interviewer: What’s coming in 2025?
Expert: Stellantis has big plans:
1. More EVs: New models like electric versions of the Fiat Panda and Jeep Cherokee.
2. Affordable EVs: Cutting costs to make EVs cheaper and more accessible.
3. Less Petrol/Diesel: Gradually phasing out combustion engines to meet EU emissions rules.
Interviewer: What risks does Stellantis face?
Expert: The main risks are:
1. Slow EV Growth: Some regions, like the U.S. and emerging markets, aren’t ready yet.
2. High Costs: EV production is expensive, which may hurt profits.
3. Tough Competition: Rivals like Tesla and Chinese automakers are moving fast.
Interviewer: Any final thoughts?
Expert: Stellantis is at a turning point. It has strong EV and hybrid models and clear goals, but success depends on execution in a competitive market.
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