Italy's auto industry crisis: Worst production since 1956

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 worst was 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. What's worse, the Hornet is a vehicle exported to the USA, and thus subject 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 8th April that it did not expect improvement and did not anticipate such negative results. The union's leader, Ferdinando Uliano, remains hopeful about improving 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.