Source: Gasgoo
On December 9, Jean-Philippe Imparato, chief operating officer of car manufacturer Stellantis’ Enlarged Europe, said in an interview with Italian television that Italy could become Europe’s second largest car producer in the next five years.
Image Source: Fiat
Previously, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso had stated that he expected Stellantis to present a clear plan at a meeting in Rome on December 17 to revive sluggish production in Italy. The union will also attend the meeting.
Imparato told Italian state broadcaster Rai: “I will make it very clear on 17th that for me, Italy will become the second-largest European manufacturing market by 2029.” According to data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Italy was the seventh-largest car producer in Europe last year and would need to surpass countries such as France and Spain to become the second-largest after Germany.
Imparato also reiterated Stellantis’ commitment not to close any Italian factories and highlighted the company’s plan to launch a hybrid version of the Fiat 500 by the end of 2025. Currently, the Fiat 500 is only available in a fully electric version, and the hybrid version is being introduced to boost sales of the model.
Stellantis produces the Fiat 500 at the Mirafiori factory in Turin, Italy, but the plant has been mostly idle this year due to slowing demand for electric vehicles. Imparato said that a hybrid version of the Fiat 500 will help boost production to around 100,000 units per year, and the next-generation 500 model will also be produced at the Mirafiori factory.
Imparato said, “What I can tell you is that we will not abandon Mirafiori, we will not abandon Turin. Stellantis will not abandon Italy, absolutely not, and we will demonstrate this to everyone next week.”
