The Italian Mirafiori factory, which produces the electric Fiat 500, is once again suspended for several days due to lack of demand.
In the series “the setbacks of the Fiat Mirafiori factory”, here is the continuation and the end, at least for the year 2024. Indeed, Stellantis has announced a new suspension of production at the Mirafiori factorynear Turin, from December 2 to 17.
This decision, which mainly concerns the electric Fiat 500 as well as the models Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, is driven by declining sales in several key markets, including Europe, China and the United States.
The reasons for this (new) temporary shutdown
In a statement, Stellantis explained that continued uncertainty around demand for electric vehicles in Europe and luxury cars globally led to this measure. In Europe, sales of small electric cars fell 54% in the first ten months of the year. In Italy, electric cars only represent 4% of overall sales in the sector, a level considered insufficient to guarantee continuity of production.
The suspension specifically affects the factory’s body shops, which employ 1,800 people. However, the rest of the Mirafiori site – which includes five factories and administrative offices for a total of 13,000 employees – is not affected.
The decision will be followed by a collective closure of the factory from December 18 to January 5, as part of the end-of-year celebrations. This closure is the result of a company agreement which takes place in the context of sluggish demand for vehicles produced on this site, where 97% of production is dedicated to electric cars.
Tense political and social context
This announcement comes as Stellantis faces criticism from the government of Giorgia Meloni, who accuses the group of favoring low-cost sites abroad to the detriment of Italian factories. Mirafiori employees have already experienced several periods of technical unemployment this year, caused by a prolonged drop in demand.
Despite these difficulties, Stellantis affirms its commitment to Italy. “We guarantee the continuity of all our factories and activities in this crucial phase of technological transition”the company said, referring to the adoption of new platforms for electric vehicles.
Another reason for hope for the 500, its return as a hybrid on this new generation which was until now only offered in a 100% electric version.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
