Italian car production hits its lowest since 1956 amidst tariffs
The first quarter of 2025 brought tragic results for the Italian automotive industry, marking the worst performance since 1956.
In the first three months of 2025, Italians produced only 109,900 cars, representing a 36% drop compared to the same period last year. Such poor results haven't been recorded since the 1950s. Production declines were noted at all six Stellantis plants.
The situation was dire in Pomigliano, where the Dodge Hornet is produced. In the first quarter, only 1,356 units were manufactured, 80% less than the previous year. Furthermore, the Hornet is a vehicle exported to the USA and is thus subject to Trump's new 25% tariffs.
Meanwhile, Maserati ended the quarter with 1,033 units, reflecting a 72% decline. It was 10,104 units for Alfa Romeo, marking a 52% decrease.
The FIM-CISL union stated in its quarterly report published on April 8, 10:00 AM ET, that they did not expect improvement, but neither such negative results. The union's leader, Ferdinando Uliano, hopes to improve the situation but does not foresee miracles.
"New models will have an impact of some significance (on output in Italy) only in 2026," said Ferdinando Uliano, head of FIM-CISL, during an interview with Automotive News Europe. The "new models" refer to the combustion version of the new Fiat 500 or the successor to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, making it difficult to predict any significant hits.
