Stellantis evaluates a partnership with Leapmotor for the production of electric vehicles. The unions are in favor of collaboration, but ask for clarity
Stellar is evaluating the possibility of starting the production of electric vehicles at the Mirafiori plant in collaboration with the Chinese partner Leap motor. The news, reported by Automotive News, is based on a statement from the CEO Carlos Tavares, who left the door open to the option that Leapmotor could start production in Italy, underlining that this would only happen in the presence of an “adequate business case”. Stellantis later confirmed Tavares’ claims, but did not release further details regarding Mirafiori. As reported by Automotive News, Leapmotor could produce up to 150,000 electric vehicles at low cost per year at the historic Turin factory. These vehicles would be marketed through Stellantis’ European dealer network spread across the world.
Stellantis, the partnership with Leapmotor looks to the future
Leapmotor’s prospect becomes more concrete considering the interest of some Chinese manufacturers, such as Chery e Geelyin consolidating their manufacturing presence in Europa. The city of Turin will therefore have to formulate a competitive offer to make Mirafiori attractive compared to other possible locations. In response to these prospects, the mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo called a meeting with representatives of Stellantis, the Piedmont Region, the metropolitan city, the trade unions, the Industrial Union, Anfia, the Chamber of Commerce and API. Currently, Mirafiori is involved in the production of the electric 500, the Maserati Gran Cabrio, Gran Turismo and the Levante SUV.
The unions welcome the Leapmotor hypothesis for Mirafiori, emphasizing the importance of increase production e preserve employment. However, they express the need for clarity from Stellantis and highlight the importance of active involvement in decision-making processes to secure the future of the plant.
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