According to media reports, a union source confirmed on November 8 that Stellantis' historic Mirafiori plant in Italy will again suspend production. The plant currently manufactures the electric version of the Fiat 500 and two Maserati models.
The source explained that due to weak demand, the facility had paused car production from mid-September to November 1. Although production resumed last week, it is expected to halt once more for the entire month of December.
The source noted that Stellantis has yet to formally inform the union about this action as per usual procedures, but information from suppliers and other sources suggests the suspension is now unavoidable.
Italian media previously reported that the Fiat 500 assembly line at Mirafiori resumed on November 4 with a reduced daily output of 170 units. Reports also indicated that the assembly line is set to stop again next month, with plans to resume on January 7.
Located in Turin, the birthplace of the Fiat brand, Mirafiori is an extensive industrial complex that currently remains largely idle. According to union sources, the December shutdown will also affect Maserati sports car production, which has suffered from low sales.
Media reports indicate that Stellantis has concentrated orders for the Fiat 500 over the next three months into November and had hoped for additional production in December. However, component shortages caused by supply issues have thwarted these plans.
Like other industry players, Stellantis faces significant challenges, including weak demand for high-priced electric vehicles and competition from China. Additionally, the company is grappling with inventory buildup in the U.S. market, which has led it to revise its profit and cash flow forecasts downward.
