Stellantis, riaprono Mirafiori e Pomigliano, 300mila auto in Italia è la stima per il 2026

Stellantis has announced the reopening of its Mirafiori and Pomigliano factories in Italy, with an estimated 300,000 vehicles expected to be produced in Italy in 2026. This comes as the Italian and European auto market continues its recovery phase, with Chinese production increasing. Pomigliano will be reopening with a solidarity contract for all 3,750 employees, a defensive measure as Panda sales, the most popular model in Italy, are slightly declining and the production of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is being scaled back.

The Mirafiori plant, however, aims for 100,000 vehicles after the launch of the Fiat 500 hybrid, but this goal seems unattainable. Lower-than-expected volumes have been managed through longer closures. While Mirafiori's need for a second model seems apparent, the main challenge, according to unions, is investing in the production site to double capacity, which will remain at 100,000 units per year.

To reach a respectable 500 volumes, both lines would need to run at 100% until December, if market conditions allow. Igor Albera of Fim notes that a September Turin Auto Show could showcase Made in Torino products. Pomigliano has two production lines with a clear industrial mission to develop three e-car models in Italy, announced by CEO Antonio Filosa and Emanuele Cappellano, Emea.

In August, the company reaffirmed the solidarity contract renewal program and announced the start of activities in the area dedicated to future E-car vehicles, marking the first operational step towards implementing the new industrial program for Giambattista Vico. The company's whereabouts for the future Pandina, beyond 2028-2030, remain unclear.

If the group confirms that Pomigliano will continue to manage the new generation of the historic model, it would be crucial for securing the site's future. Key documents for the Group, guided by Antonio Filosa, focus on two strategies: securing Cassino factory through collaboration with a Chinese producer, such as Dongfeng or Leapmotor, and completing the cycle for the future of Alfa Romeo and Maserati with further investments posing a dilemma for European manufacturers.

Regarding other plants, Melfi resumed operations last week but faces production slowdowns and line idle times due to component shortages. Gerardo Evangelista, Fim Cisl Basilicata's general secretary, emphasizes the importance of quickly addressing these supply chain difficulties, as any further suspensions would inevitably affect production and workers.

The resumption of new models, unions insist, must gradually translate into continuous production, volume growth, and improved job stability. Additionally, a reflection on Melfi's overall production system organization is needed, strengthening not only the internal organization of the site but also the entire supply chain.