Stellantis has temporarily suspended operations at its expansive Mirafiori factory located in Turin, Italy, in response to dwindling demand for the Maseratis manufactured there.
The Mirafiori facility is instrumental in producing the electric Fiat 500e as well as four Maserati models: the GranTurismo in both gas and electric configurations, the Ghibli, the Levante, and the Quattroporte.
According to Automotive News, which cited statements from a Stellantis spokesperson, the plant’s production was halted this week and is scheduled to restart briefly before shutting down again from October 19 to November 3. The temporary closure will result in approximately 2,400 workers being laid off for the duration.
Despite the GranTurismo undergoing a redesign for the 2024 model year, other Maserati models at the plant are approaching the end of their respective product cycles—a time when demand generally declines. Union officials disclosed to Automotive News that the Mirafiori facility had been idle for as many as 58 days during the first six months of 2023.
Production of the Ghibli and Quattroporte is slated to end in December, and these models will be consolidated into a single offering under the Quattroporte name. Both gasoline and electric variants of the reimagined Quattroporte are anticipated.
Automotive News also reported that the Levante will continue in production until it undergoes a redesign, expected in 2025.
Maserati has pre-emptively announced the discontinuation of its V-8 engine, signaling the imminent arrival of next-generation models.
Interestingly, Maserati observed a 41% sales increase in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, with 14,500 units sold. This surge in sales is largely attributed to the newly-introduced Grecale compact crossover, which is manufactured at a different Stellantis facility in Cassino, Italy.
In a broader context, Maserati is not the sole Stellantis brand grappling with weakened demand. Sales of Jeep vehicles have declined 12% in the first half of the year, continuing a downward trajectory that began in 2019. That year, Jeep’s annual sales reached nearly one million units. However, in 2022, sales dropped to 684,614 units—a 12% decrease from the previous year. On Thursday, Stellantis appointed Antonio Filosa as the new CEO for the Jeep brand, succeeding Christian Meunier, who has served in the role since 2019.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stellantis Mirafiori Plant Suspension
What is the primary reason for the suspension of operations at Stellantis’ Mirafiori plant?
The main reason for the temporary halt in production at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, is a decrease in demand for Maserati vehicles produced at that facility.
Which models are affected by this production halt?
The production suspension affects four Maserati models: the GranTurismo (in both gas and electric versions), the Ghibli, the Levante, and the Quattroporte. The Fiat 500e electric hatch is also produced at the Mirafiori plant.
How many employees are impacted by the suspension?
Approximately 2,400 employees will be temporarily laid off due to the halt in production at the Mirafiori plant.
How long is the production halt expected to last?
The plant was paused this week and is scheduled to restart before another round of temporary closures slated between October 19 and November 3.
Despite the production halt, have there been any positive developments for Maserati?
Yes, despite the decreasing demand for certain models, Maserati sales increased by 41% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. This increase is largely attributed to the newly-introduced Grecale compact crossover.
Is Maserati the only Stellantis brand facing weak demand?
No, Jeep, another Stellantis brand, has also seen a decline in sales. Jeep sales were down 12% in the first half of the year, following a trend of reduced sales that began in 2019.
Are there any upcoming changes to the Maserati vehicle lineup?
Yes, the Ghibli and Quattroporte models will cease production in December and will be replaced by a single model under the Quattroporte name. The Levante is expected to continue until its redesign in 2025. Maserati has also announced the discontinuation of the V-8 engine.
Who is the new CEO for the Jeep brand?
Antonio Filosa has been appointed as the new CEO for the Jeep brand, replacing Christian Meunier, who had held the position since 2019.
More about Stellantis Mirafiori Plant Suspension
- Stellantis Official Press Release
- Automotive News Coverage
- Maserati Sales Data
- Stellantis Workforce Announcements
- Jeep Sales Trends
- Introduction of Grecale
- Maserati Product Cycles
- Jeep Leadership Changes
7 comments
Wow, didn’t see this coming. Maserati has always been such a luxury brand, thought they were immune to market shifts.
End of the V8 engine, huh? Definitely a sign of the times. electric is the future, folks.
With the ongoing chip shortages and now this, the automotive market is really in a volatile state. Keep an eye out on the big players, they’ll make or break the market.
Wonder how this is gonna affect Stellantis stock prices. Temporary layoffs aren’t exactly a positive signal to investors.
Antonio Filosa stepping in for Jeep? Sounds like big moves are happening at Stellantis overall.
Interesting that the GranTurismo’s gettin a redesign while the others are left hangin. Guess theyre placing their bets carefully.
2400 people laid off, that’s huge! Hope they find a way to get production back up n running soon.