Stellantis pauses production at Italy's iconic Mirafiori plant yet again

Stellantis will once again suspend production at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, in December, according to reports confirmed by a trade union source.

The plant, known for producing the electric Fiat 500 and two Maserati models, had recently resumed operations on November 1 after a two-month pause due to weak demand. Now, insiders suggest that supply chain issues are behind this latest stoppage, though the automaker has yet to provide an official statement to unions concerning the forthcoming halt.

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Supply chain woes or just a rumor?

According to Italian newspaper MF, Stellantis initially planned for limited December production to meet backlogged Fiat 500 orders. However, supply shortages are reportedly forcing another shutdown, with Mirafiori potentially idling until January. Stellantis has downplayed these reports, stating that the December production schedule remains under review, with final confirmation expected soon.

"This is a rumour that has no official confirmation. The company will verify in the coming weeks the production schedules for December," a spokesperson for Stellantis told Reuters when asked for comment on the newspaper's report.

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Impact on Fiat and Maserati production

The Mirafiori stoppage impacts Stellantis’ efforts to bolster its EV lineup in Europe, with the Fiat 500 electric model being a central piece of that strategy. Additionally, the production of two Maserati models, which also take place at Mirafiori, could be affected.

Demand for Fiat’s all-electric 500e has been underwhelming since its launch earlier this year. In the U.S., Fiat has sold just 439 examples of the newly electrified classic since it hit the market.

Despite the lackluster sales, Stellantis has said that it plans to invest another $110 million in developing the 500. That investment will help produce an upgraded high-performance battery—hopefully, one that helps boost the 500e’s substandard 149 combined range—as well as a hybrid version of the 500 set to arrive next year.

Final thoughts

If December’s halt proceeds, Mirafiori workers will be furloughed once again. Local union representatives, like Rocco Cutri, the Turin head of the FIM-Cisl union, expect the halt to last at least two to three weeks. The situation highlights Stellantis’ ongoing struggles in Europe as it balances demand challenges and supply disruptions across its EV and luxury car segments.

Fiat’s parent company appears committed to developing the 500 further, but even $110 million in investment can’t soften the blow of yet another production halt, especially one that comes so closely on the heels of the last.

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