Jean-Philippe Imparato, chief operating officer of automaker Stellantis’ Enlarged Europe, said in an interview with Italian television that Italy could become Europe’s second-largest auto producer in the next five years.
Earlier, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said he expected Stellantis to present a clear plan to revive its flagging production in Italy at a meeting in Rome on December 17. Unions will also attend the meeting.
Imperato told Rai: “I will make it very clear on the 17th that for me, Italy will become the second-largest European manufacturing market in 2029.” According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Italy was Europe’s seventh-largest auto producer last year. If it wants to become the second-largest auto producer after Germany, it needs to surpass countries such as France and Spain.
Imparato also reiterated Stellantis’ commitment not to close any Italian plants 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 pure electric version, and the hybrid version is launched to boost sales of the model.
Stellantis produces the Fiat 500 at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, but the plant has been largely idle this year due to slowing demand for electric vehicles. Imparato said the hybrid Fiat 500 model will help increase production to about 100,000 vehicles per year, and the next generation of 500 models will also be produced at the Mirafiori plant.
“What I can tell you is that we will not give up Mirafiori, we will not give up Turin. Stellantis will not give up Italy, absolutely not, and we will make this clear to everyone next week,” Imparato said.