Stellantis Italy Production Plan Faces Union Criticism Over Factory and Job Risks

The Stellantis Italy Production Plan has come under scrutiny after the FIOM-CGIL union raised concerns regarding the company’s Investor Day 2026 strategy. According to the union, the proposed direction could result in a reduction of approximately 800,000 vehicles in European production volumes, creating uncertainty for manufacturing facilities and employment across Italy. Union representatives argue that several production sites remain exposed to future risks while workforce reductions may continue through voluntary exit programs. They also expressed concerns that investment priorities may increasingly shift outside both Italy and Europe, potentially weakening the long-term competitiveness of domestic manufacturing operations.

Union Concerns Over Italian Manufacturing Operations

FIOM-CGIL stated that a stronger industrial strategy is needed to secure the future of automotive production in Italy. The organization believes that maintaining industrial capacity and employment requires targeted investments across key facilities operated by Stellantis. The union emphasized that current plans do not provide sufficient guarantees for sustained production growth and warned that uncertainty surrounding several factories could continue unless new manufacturing projects are introduced. Union leaders are seeking commitments that would strengthen local operations and help preserve industrial activity throughout the country.

Proposed Actions for Major Production Facilities

To address existing concerns, the union outlined several recommendations for individual manufacturing sites. At the Mirafiori plant, it proposed the addition of a second production line capable of increasing annual output by at least 100,000 vehicles. For the Cassino facility, the union called for a larger industrial project centered on higher-volume vehicle programs and potential collaboration with international partners. At Pomigliano, representatives recommended accelerating new production programs while maintaining both assembly lines to support employment stability and operational continuity.

Additional proposals were presented for other facilities facing uncertain demand outlooks. At Melfi, the union suggested introducing a mass-market vehicle program to improve plant utilization, noting that some planned models may not generate sufficient volumes. At the Modena facility, FIOM-CGIL requested a comprehensive relaunch strategy for Maserati, supported by the introduction of new vehicle models. The union also urged the restart of the gigafactory initiative at Termoli and requested confirmation of the next-generation Ducato van project at Atessa, accompanied by technological investments to strengthen competitiveness against the plant in Poland.

Summary of Union Proposals for Italian Plants

Call for Industry Support and Investment

The union is also advocating broader cooperation between Stellantis, industry stakeholders, and the government. It is seeking the restoration of the automotive fund and increased levels of both public and private investment to support manufacturing competitiveness. FIOM-CGIL believes Italy should target annual vehicle production of at least one million units to strengthen the domestic automotive sector. In addition, the organization argues that incentive programs should focus on supporting long-term production capacity rather than solely stimulating vehicle demand. The union maintains that sustainable industrial policies are essential for protecting jobs, preserving manufacturing expertise, and ensuring future growth within the automotive sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is FIOM-CGIL criticizing Stellantis’ Investor Day 2026 plan?
FIOM-CGIL believes the strategy does not provide adequate support for Italian manufacturing facilities and employment. The union argues that the plan could reduce European vehicle production by around 800,000 units and increase uncertainty at several factories in Italy. It is concerned that investment priorities may shift outside the region while workforce reductions continue. As a result, the union is calling for stronger industrial commitments, expanded production programs, and targeted investments to safeguard jobs and maintain long-term manufacturing competitiveness.

What production target does the union want for Italy?
The union is advocating for annual vehicle production in Italy to reach at least one million units. FIOM-CGIL believes this objective can be achieved through a combination of factory investments, new vehicle programs, industrial partnerships, and government support measures. It is also urging the restoration of automotive funding initiatives and policies that strengthen long-term manufacturing capacity. According to the union, increasing production volumes is critical for preserving employment, supporting local suppliers, and ensuring the future competitiveness of Italy’s automotive industry.