As the Franco-Italian manufacturer thinks new models would help it resume its output in the nation, Stellantis said on that it will begin production of a new Lancia Gamma mid-sized vehicle in 2026 at its Melfi factory in southern Italy.
Despite tepid demand and plans to construct certain new models of its iconic Italian brands abroad, Stellantis, whose other trademarks include Fiat and Alfa Romeo, has come under intense political criticism in Italy for its diminishing local output.
The FIM-CISL union has predicted that the company’s national output will drop from 751,000 automobiles in 2023 to less than 500,000 vehicles this year.
According to FIM-CISL, production at Stellantis’ Italian assembly factories decreased by more than 30% between January and September, with Melfi seeing a 62% drop.
Based on its new ‘STLA Medium’ platform, the business has a multi-year plan to begin producing five new mid-sized models in Melfi from various manufacturers, including Lancia, for the Middle East and European markets.
Stellantis said this month that it will begin manufacturing a new vehicle under its high-end DS brand and the most recent iteration of its best-selling Jeep Compass mid-sized SUV in Melfi next year.
According to a statement from the firm, Stellantis’ dedication to its Italian facilities is demonstrated by the new Lancia Gamma’s manufacture in Melfi.