New stops in Stellantis‘ Italian factories. The company has communicated to the unions that activities will be suspended in some factories next month, including Pomigliano D’Arco, Termoli and Pratola Serra. “These measures are necessary to adapt production to current market conditions and to ensure efficient management of resources,” explains the Franco-Italian group.
This while production of the electric 500 is stopped in Mirafiori until November. The strike will take place on Friday of the workers in the sector who will meet in the square in Rome. . Elly Schlein, Giuseppe Conte, Nicola Fratoianni, Angelo Bonelli and Carlo Calenda have announced their participation in the event.
The automaker announced that vehicle deliveries in the third quarter amounted to 1.148 million units, 20% less than the same period in 2023. The drop in deliveries, explains a note, was greater than that of sales to end customers, which fell by around 15%, discounting the temporary impact of the transition of the product portfolio and the stock reduction initiatives at the net.
The strongest decline was recorded in North America (the market that in recent years had allowed the relaunch of Fiat-FCA), with a decline of 36% of deliveries, to 299 thousand units, while in wider Europe, the group’s main market, the decline was 17% to 496 thousand units. In the Middle East and Africa, deliveries fell by 26% to 78 thousand units, in China, India and Asia Pacific by 30% to 14 thousand units while South America grew, with an increase of 14% to 259 thousand units.
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And it moves directly from the United States White House that asks Stellantis to respect production commitments with the Uaw (the sector union) and local communities. Meanwhile, speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Fiat Executive Group, the president John Elkann (“his” Exor is the group’s largest shareholder with a share of 14,2%. It has been making money for the last three years dividends of 1.7 billion) said che “There are those who in these months, in these days, seem unwilling to recognize merits of all those, employees, collaborators and also you, managers, who have always contributed to overcoming challenges and achieving extraordinary results in 125 years of history of our group. But we know, and you more than anyone, what the reality is: nothing can be resolved with instrumental controversies, grudges and grandstanding. Nothing is built.”
The Woes of Stellantis: Shocks, Strikes, and Electric Dreams
Well, well, well, gather ‘round, ladies and gentlemen, because Stellantis has decided to throw a bit of a party in their factories, and guess what? The entry fee is a hefty suspension of activities! Yes, you heard me right. Next month, they’re hitting the pause button on work in some of their Italian factories, including Pomigliano D’Arco, Termoli, and Pratola Serra. Apparently, it’s all part of some elaborate dance to align production with the current market conditions. When in doubt, just pivot it out, eh?
Now, while plenty of people are busy dancing in the square of Rome – yes, that’s where the workers plan to strike on Friday – Stellantis is taking a timeout at their Mirafiori plant. They’ve decided to stop producing the electric 500 until November. I guess they’re trying to make electric cars as elusive as a decent Wi-Fi signal during a conference call. Doesn’t bode well for our future of driving with a clear conscience, does it?
But wait, there’s more! In the thrilling spectacle that is the automotive world, it turns out vehicle deliveries for Stellantis have plummeted by a staggering 20% in the third quarter compared to the same time last year. Either they need a better marketing team or the electric 500 really isn’t going to save the world after all. They’ve also admitted that this decline is a bit worse than the 15% drop in sales to end customers. Ah, yes, the intricate web of stock reduction and product portfolio transitions. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Let’s all pretend we understand that while sipping our overpriced lattes.
The punchline, however, is this: the biggest decline happened in North America, with an eyebrow-raising drop of 36% in deliveries. It’s a bit like finding out that the last slice of pizza at a party was taken by someone who claims to be on a diet. You just feel let down, don’t you? Meanwhile, Europe – their biggest market – showed a decline of 17%. Hush now, Stellantis! Don’t let your European fans hear you sobbing!
Ah, but there’s a silver lining somewhere in South America, where deliveries actually rose by 14%. So, there’s that! If you’re having a bad day in the automotive industry, just remember it could be worse – you could be Stellantis in North America. Or texting your ex, begging for a second chance. Whichever is harder to swallow!
And it’s not just the automotive gurus that are upset – even the White House is tapping Stellantis on the shoulder, nudging them to adhere to production commitments. Apparently, U.S. leaders are keen on reminding Stellantis that their operations impact local communities and the UAW (the sector union). So, keep your eyes peeled for that butterfly effect, folks; one little hiccup and you’ll have an exasperated populace throwing their American dreams out the window!
As for the tall tales of corporate virtue, John Elkann, the president of Stellantis, made a speech at the 50th anniversary of the Fiat Executive Group about how some folks don’t seem to recognize the merits of employees. And believe you me, those words were as emphatic as a toddler in a candy store! Everyone’s trying to chalk up victories while dodging the blame for what looks like a bit of a mess. “Nothing can be resolved with instrumental controversies, grudges and grandstanding,” he says. And yet, here we are, gathering in the square for a good old-fashioned protest. Sounds like we need a spaceship to take us out of this cosmic comedy of errors!
Final Thoughts: Can Stellantis Bounce Back?
In conclusion, dear readers, Stellantis is embroiled in a roller coaster of challenges and opportunities, and with the union strikes looming, it’s sure to be a bumpy ride ahead. From plunging deliveries to electric car production halts and protests in the heart of Rome, they’re riding the whirlwind of automotive chaos. So, buckle up as we await the next installment of the Stellantis saga – will they rise from the ashes like a phoenix or tumble down like a cheap souffle? Place your bets now!
