Stellantis chip shortage disrupts Fiat output in Italy, may last through December

Italian car manufacturer Stellantis is grappling with a chip shortage that is causing disruptions to production of some Fiat models, with the issue potentially lasting through December. The shortage of a crucial electronic component affecting the engine control unit is having a significant impact on production, particularly for the Fiat Panda, one of the brand's top-selling cars.

Stellantis and Fiat are prioritizing efforts to find alternative solutions and gradually restore normal operations. However, the shortage could lead to further problems, including production halts at the Pomigliano plant, where the Panda is manufactured, and the Mirafiori plant, where the Fiat 500 is made. The disruption may also affect Stellantis plants in Italy that produce engine components, including the Termoli plant where the N3 GSE engine used in both the Panda and the 500 is assembled.

Currently, Mirafiori is experiencing a three-week production halt starting mid-October due to a separate component shortage, with unions attributing the stoppage to weak demand for the Fiat 500.