“Satisfied”. This is how the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, defined herself during the press conference at the beginning of the year when speaking about the agreement with Stellantis. Between the return of Donald Trump, the hypothesis of tariffs, the (bulky) presence of Elon Musk, the release of Cecilia Sala and the conflict in the Middle East, there was also space for the automotive sector in the first meeting of 2025 with journalists.
“Protection of workers”
Asked about her opinion in light of the latest negotiations and meetings with the automotive group born from the merger between FCA and PSA, Meloni reiterated: “I am satisfied with the agreement with Stellantis”. And he underlined how the approach is oriented towards the employment aspect: “We try to do what we can to always have an approach that protects workers”.
But there are those who did not like the Premier’s words. “Meloni talks about an agreement with Stellantis, but we are talking about a plan presented by the company in December and which has not yet had any concrete consequences, starting from the hiring and investment plans in research. What is real, however, is the cut drastic measure by the government to the automotive fund and the continuation of the redundancy fund for thousands of workers: in Mirafiori we have reached the 18th consecutive year, and Stellantis has already communicated to the unions that the use of social safety nets is envisaged at least until August”, underline the exponents of AVS Marco Grimaldi and Alice Ravinale.
“We will be satisfied when the multinational, which continues to grind out billions in dividends, creates good and stable employment in Italy. The Government opens negotiations with Stellantis on the reshoring of FIAT models planned for Serbia, Poland and Morocco”, is the request made by the two exponents of the left. “Obtain confirmation of the construction times of the Termoli gigafactory and the interruption of any process of pushing for the relocation of supplier investments”.
The Turin Democratic Party also comments on Meloni’s words. “We read with interest the Premier’s satisfaction with the agreement (we would be happy to receive a copy or at least to know where to consult it) between Stellantis and the Government, but as representatives of the Turin institutions we expect this to translate into concrete actions for the our territory. Turin, historically the center of the Italian automotive industry, has gone through difficult years, marked by reductions in employment and a progressive downsizing of its strategic role”, say Claudio Cerrato, leader of the Democratic Party of the Municipality of Turin and Pierino. Crema, president of the Commission for Work, Commerce and Crafts, Professional Training of the Municipality of Turin. “It is essential that this possible agreement includes specific investments for the Turin factories, focusing on innovation and the ecological transition. The investments must include the production of a greater number of models in Mirafiori and a greater involvement of local suppliers in supplies. Only in this way our city will be able to confirm itself as a protagonist in the automotive sector of the future, guaranteeing employment and sustainable development”.
Controversy over Elkann’s hearing
Just in recent days, the controversy on this issue had reignited also in light of the appointment of John Elkann, president of Exor and Stellantis, within the board of directors of Meta (Facebook and Instagram). Carlo Calenda, leader of Action, had mentioned it as the priority were that the president of the Group appeared before Parliament to explain future plans and scenarios. A meeting postponed until now and which, after the departure of the former CEO, Carlos Tavares, had instead seen the participation of the current head of Stellantis Europa, Jean Philippe Learned.
Mirafiori remains at stake
Meanwhile, the forced pause for production at Mirafiori continues: as communicated to the unions before the holidays, the reopening of the bodyworks, as regards the 500 Bev, is set for 20 January, while for the Maserati the aim is for 2 February.
As part of Stellantis’ renewed European structure, Antonella Bruno, Country Manager of Stellantis in Italy, announced the new market organization today. “Many challenges and demanding responsibilities await us this year – underlines Bruno –: for this reason I am proud to have great professionals in a compact team, capable of summarizing and best expressing the values of a global Group like Stellantis on the Italian market. We have the models, the vision and the skills to achieve great results, and we have equipped ourselves with the best structure to respond to the needs of each customer and to constantly work alongside Stellantis dealers in Italy.”
New management teams announced
In these hours, then, there is news regarding the management teams in the renewed Stellantis organization on a European scale. In particular, regarding brands, there are four main changes. They are Alessio Scutari, Managing Director of Fiat and Abarth, Valentino Munno, Managing Director of Peugeot, Giorgio Vinciguerra, Managing Director of Opel and Federico Scopelliti, Leapmotor Director. The confirmed team is completed by Raffaele Russo (Alfa Romeo, DS Automobiles and Lancia), Giovanni Falcone (Citroën) and Novella Varzi (Jeep).
Regarding the functions, Piera Gallo (Marketing Operations) joins the Italian market team. The team is completed by the confirmed Domenico Gostoli (LCV), Fabio Mazzeo (B2B), Guido Bevilacqua (Pre-Owned Vehicles), Davide Giovanni Ivac (Parts & Services), Emiliano Franchetto (Car Flow), Marco Icardi (Network Development and Training). , Elisabetta D’Angelo (Customer Experience) and Andrea Ciucci (e-Mobility and STM Synergies).