Stellantis CEO Urges EU Emission Rule Easing, Announces Italy Hiring Amid Production Drop

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has announced 400 new hires at the Mirafiori plant in Italy to support increased production of the hybrid Fiat 500 and confirmed upcoming production of a new Jeep Compass in Melfi and multi-energy Alfa Romeo models to stabilize operations at the Cassino plant. Filosa criticized the EU's stringent climate regulations, particularly the 2035 ban on new petrol vehicles, arguing that these rules have disrupted supply and demand and need revision to better support the automotive industry and consumer choices. Despite these efforts, Stellantis faces a 32% decline in Italian vehicle output for the first nine months of 2025, with full-year production expected to drop to the lowest levels in nearly 70 years. The company is also evaluating the viability of a battery plant in Italy through its Stellantis-backed firm ACC, with a final decision expected by year's end. Meanwhile, weak demand has forced Stellantis to pause production at several European factories, raising concerns among Italian labor unions about the future of local plants and Maserati's operations. Filosa has pledged no closures of Italian plants and reaffirmed a €6 billion commitment to local suppliers, but also indicated a strategic shift with significant investments directed toward the U.S., intensifying union concerns about Italy's automotive industry future.