The Stellantis factory in Cassino, Italy, is facing a severe production shortfall, operating well below its capacity. Recent reports reveal the plant produced just 6,700 cars in the first half of 2026, far from its annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. This low output has led Stellantis to explore industrial partnerships with Chinese automakers to revive production levels.
Production Struggles at the Cassino Factory
The Cassino plant currently assembles the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, alongside the Maserati Grecale. Despite this lineup, sales have not been strong enough to keep the factory running at normal capacity. Approximately 2,200 employees are called to work only a few days each month due to the low production demands. This decline marks a troubling phase for a plant that was once a key part of Fiat’s manufacturing network.
Possible Chinese Collaborations
According to the Financial Times, Stellantis is considering partnering with Chinese manufacturers to restore activity at Cassino. Two likely candidates are Leapmotor and Dongfeng, both of which already have ties with Stellantis. Leapmotor’s international operations involve Stellantis through a joint venture, while Dongfeng has been a long-standing collaborator in China.
Stellantis’ strategy includes similar moves elsewhere in Europe. For instance, Leapmotor is planned to start production at a Spanish plant, and Dongfeng has been invited to produce models at a Stellantis factory in France. This approach aims to counterbalance Chinese market expansion and bring volume growth back to Europe, according to Emanuele Cappellano, head of Stellantis’ European operations.
Connection with Maserati’s Future
The search for a partner to aid Cassino’s revival is linked to Maserati’s upcoming plans. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has confirmed that Maserati is not for sale, despite some rumors. Instead, a brand-specific plan for Maserati will be unveiled before the end of 2026. The industrial partnership could help maintain production at Cassino while supporting future models from both Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
Details remain uncertain about how this collaboration might work. Possibilities include producing Chinese models in Italy, sharing platforms, technology cooperation, or even broader projects. With production currently so low, Stellantis is under tight pressure to secure a solution for Cassino by the end of the year to prevent further decline.
Source: italpassion.fr