Stellantis output in Italy to fall in 2022 for a fifth yr, union says

MILAN — Carmaker Stellantis is anticipated to see its automobile manufacturing in Italy fall for a fifth yr in a row in 2022, primarily because of stoppages brought on by a chronic crunch in chip provide, the FIM-CISL union mentioned on Friday.

Based mostly on information for the primary 9 months of the yr, FIM-CISL estimates Stellantis, the proprietor of manufacturers together with Fiat, will produce fewer than 650,000 autos by the tip of the yr in its Italian vegetation, down from 673,574 in 2021.

That will imply a shortfall of round 200,000 models in comparison with potential generated by orders already booked, the union mentioned in its quarterly report on Stellantis manufacturing within the nation.

Ferdinando Uliano, FIM-CISL head for automotive, mentioned the chip scarcity was the principle purpose for the manufacturing drop however issues have been additionally occurring with different elements, with out giving additional particulars.

The chip drawback “may even have an effect on 2023,” Uliano mentioned, presenting the report.

“The conflict in Ukraine, the halt to Russian fuel provides … can solely additional worsen the issue of the procurement and prices of uncooked supplies,” he added.

A complete of 235 working days have been misplaced between January and September because of manufacturing stoppages in response to the report.

“Now we have not but recovered to pre-pandemic ranges,” Uliano mentioned.

Within the first 9 months of 2022 Stellantis manufacturing in Italy fell 2.4% yr on yr to 515,380 autos, FIM-CISL mentioned. That was a barely smaller drop than within the first half, when disruptions within the transport business additionally hit output.

Manufacturing of sunshine industrial autos at Stellantis’ Sevel plant in central Italy — Europe’s largest van meeting facility — fell 27.5% yr on yr.

Automotive manufacturing, nonetheless, rose 14.1% in the identical interval, helped by the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale and Maserati Grecale fashions, manufacturing of which began within the Pomigliano and Cassino vegetation on the finish of the second quarter.

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari; Modifying by Keith Weir)

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