AutosItalian car production hits lowest level since 1956 downturn

Italian car production hits lowest level since 1956 downturn

The first quarter of 2025 brought tragic results for the Italian automotive industry. It hasn't been this bad since 1956.

Production of the Fiat 500
Production of the Fiat 500
Images source: © Press materials | Ireneusz KAZMIERCZAK, Stellantis

In the first three months of 2025, Italians produced only 109,900 cars. That's 36% less than in the same period last year. Such poor results haven't been recorded since the 1950s. Production declines were noted in all six Stellantis plants.

The situation was the worst in Pomigliano, where the Dodge Hornet is produced. Only 1,356 units rolled off the assembly lines in the first quarter, 80% less than a year ago. To make matters worse, the Hornet is a vehicle exported to the USA, subjecting it to Trump's new 25% tariffs.

Meanwhile, Maserati ended the quarter with 1,033 units, a 72% decline. Alfa Romeo had 10,104 units, a 52% decrease.

The FIM-CISL union stated in its quarterly report published on April 8 that they did not expect improvement or such negative results. The union's leader, Ferdinando Uliano, hopes to improve the situation but does not expect miracles.

"New models will have an impact of some significance (on output in Italy) only in 2026," said Ferdinando Uliano, head of FIM-CISL, in an interview with Automotive News Europe. "New models" refer to the combustion version of the new Fiat 500 or the successor to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. So, it's hard to talk about potential hits.

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