Dutch-based automaker Stellantis invests in Italy while expanding U.S. operations
Stellantis, which owns brands including Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Fiat, continues to commit to its Italian production sites. The company’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, based at its Hoofddorp headquarters, announced plans to hire 400 more workers to boost output at the Mirafiori plant in Turin.
Since taking over as CEO in June, Filosa has met with Italian trade unions to outline Stellantis’ future plans. Earlier this month, the company revealed it will invest over 11 billion euros in the United States over the next four years, aiming to reinforce its presence in the crucial U.S. market and mitigate the effects of import tariffs.
In contrast, two of Stellantis’ factories in Italy and France temporarily stopped production last month because of weak demand, creating uncertainty for the workforce. Similar to its rivals, Stellantis is dealing with overcapacity in Europe, where Chinese automakers, led by BYD, are capturing market share with low-priced vehicles.
Filosa stated that the extra workforce at the Mirafiori plant will support the production of the hybrid Fiat 500. He also confirmed that manufacturing of a new Jeep Compass will start in the coming weeks in Melfi, southern Italy. Additionally, new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models are expected to secure a “stable future” for the Cassino factory, located north of Naples.
Late last year, Stellantis pledged to introduce new models at its Italian plants and confirmed that no factories in the country would be shut down. The promise was part of a broader effort to mend ties with the government, following former CEO Carlos Tavares’ push to relocate production to lower-cost countries like Morocco.
Following the discussion with Filosa, the FIM-CISL union said the CEO had painted a “concerning picture” for Europe. Although the new positions at the Mirafiori plant are positive, the union emphasized that further investments are necessary to restore Italian production to its full potential.
Reporting by ANP
