Since the beginning of 2024, the Stellantis Italian factory in Mirafiori, near Turin, has been experiencing problems. The factory is suffering the effects of a slowdown in orders for electric vehicles and, faced with a drop in demand, the company announced partial unemployment measures from February 12 to March 3, 2024, affecting 2,250 workers.

This measure was part of an approach to regulate production according to demand, a strategy that was already implemented in October and November last year to deal with a similar situation. About 1,250 workers who assemble the electric Fiat 500 will be affected during the period of partial unemployment, as well as 1,000 others who work on the production of Maserati models.

Demand for half mast, thermal conservation?

The problem is that this situation persists. Indeed, the Italian trade union UILM indicated that the cutbacks that began at the Stellantis factory on February 12 will be extended until April 20. And in general, there are no signs of a sharp recovery in demand in the coming months. Therefore, we will have to act.
According to several consistent sources, the factory may be revving up with the re-introduction of a heat engine to its Fiat 500. Re-introduction? Actually, not really, because the three-cylinder micro-hybrid thermal engine with a capacity of 70 hp. already exists but this one is going to Poland.
In any case, the plant will have to hold out until the appearance of the new STLA Small platform in 2027. During this time, the facility will have to deal with the details, especially since production of Maserati’s SUV, the Levante, has just been stopped, as well as the Quattroporte and Ghibli.

Will the Chinese manufacturer save the Stellantis factory?

Then there is also hope with the Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor. Even if some observers perceive this alliance as a “Trojan horse”, others instead see it as an opportunity to save jobs and stimulate the automotive industry in Europe. The situation at the Stellantis Mirafiori factory in Italy clearly illustrates the current challenges in the sector.
Stellantis is banking on a partnership with Leapmotor to breathe new life into its Italian plant. The agreement involves receiving 150,000 units of Leapmotor models at the Mirafiori plant, providing a future perspective for the employees and the plant. Overall, Stellantis doesn’t really have a choice, as the group has made a commitment to the Italian government to increase production in the country to one million cars by the end of the decade.

Production of Leapmotor models for Europe could start as early as 2026, which would contribute to achieving this goal.