Italy is pressing Stellantis to incorporate a strong focus on its domestic factories within the company’s future strategy. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated, “There must be an assertive Italy plan within Stellantis’ industrial plan that protects national factories.” He made these remarks ahead of a key meeting on December 17, which will involve trade unions and government officials to discuss the future of Italy’s automotive sector. The Italian government aims to ensure that Stellantis, which owns brands like Fiat and Alfa Romeo, maintains its manufacturing base in Italy.
Urso’s comments follow the recent resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, which had strained relations between the company and Italian authorities. “There’s no more Tavares, he didn’t understand the reality,” Urso said, referring to the criticism that Tavares had faced for allegedly neglecting key manufacturing sites in Italy and moving production abroad.
Urso also expressed confidence in the future, noting that the situation had changed when Stellantis Chairman John Elkann called Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to inform her of Tavares’ departure. The government is now pushing for Stellantis to pledge “significant financial resources” to keep Italy’s automotive industry competitive.
Giuseppe Manca, Stellantis’ head of human resources and industrial relations in Italy, also joined Urso at the panel and expressed hope for positive outcomes from the upcoming meeting, stating, “We hope for good news.”
