Fiat 500 Electric Factory in crisis: the meeting with Stellantis “useless” according to the unions

This is the “hot” subject that Stellantis has had to manage for months. The Mirafiori factory, which produces the electric Fiat 500, is at an important turning point. A recent meeting organized by Stellantis, a large car company, in Rome, aimed to discuss the future of this logo site. However, this meeting is considered “pointless” by the unionsfaced with the absence of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, and without information from Stellantis management representatives.

Despite the government’s intention to revive the Italian car industry to reach the annual production of one million cars, Stellantis closed 2023 with only 800,000 units produced. Mirafiori, which produces the electric Fiat 500 and some of the Maserati Granturismo and Grancabrio, is facing major shortages, they are struggling to imagine a production rate of 50,000 cars a year.

Piedmont, the region where the plant is located, showed up in unity at the meeting, bringing together trade unions, local governments and companies in the sector, hoping to strengthen local car production. Their joint request to Stellantis? Produce at least 200,000 cars per year at Mirafiori to ensure employment and stimulate the local economy.

The problems at the Mirafiori plant are compounded by the drop in sales of the Fiat 500e in Italy, where only 614 units were sold in three months, which corresponds to two working days. High unemployment and the absence of new car models on the horizon, other than a hypothetical hybrid version of the Fiat 500, add to the uncertainty.

Faced with this situation, the unions express their frustration and emphasize the importance of a clear strategy for the future of Mirafiori. The announcement of the strike on April 12 shows their desire to refocus the factory. this time, Stellantis still has hopeonce again generating significant investment in infrastructure and technology, especially for the “Green Campus” and the “Battery Test”, of the Mirafiori Automotive Park 2030 project.

Despite promises of investment and confirmation of Stellantis’ commitment to supplying electricity to its ships, trade unions remain skeptical about the company’s ability to fully revive Mirafiori. A potential plan to produce 100,000 Fiat 500 hybrids and 75,000 electric models may represent a breath of fresh air, but local stakeholders are demanding a firmer commitment to ensure a sustainable future for the plant and its workers.

To be continued…