Stellantis Confirms Production of 5 New Models at Melfi Plant by 2026
Workers at the Stellantis-owned Melfi plant in Italy have reason to be optimistic about the future, as the automotive giant has confirmed the production of five new midsize models between 2024 and 2026. These models include the next-generation Jeep Compass, the successor of the discontinued Opel Insignia, a new DS 9 flagship, the next-gen DS 7, and the Lancia Aurelia. All of these models will be based on the STLA Medium platform.
According to Automotive News Europe, the FIM-Cisl, Uilm, Fismic, and Ugl unions revealed this exciting news after a meeting with Stellantis representatives last Tuesday. While Stellantis had previously announced the production of five new electric vehicles (EVs) for the Melfi plant, the timing of their launch had not been disclosed until now. This announcement is expected to improve labor relationships in Europe, especially in light of recent strikes in North America.
The aging Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X, which are currently produced at Melfi, will be phased out sometime between 2024 and 2025. Additionally, the second generation of the Jeep Compass, which has remained largely unchanged since 2016, will also make way for the new models.
The rollout of these new models will begin in 2024 with a DS Automobiles-branded vehicle, likely a midsize fastback that will adopt the DS 9 moniker. In 2025, the all-new third generation of the Jeep Compass will be introduced, offering both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid powertrain options. The successor of the DS 7 is also expected to debut in 2025 as an EV-only model.
In 2026, Stellantis will commence production of the Opel Insignia successor, a fully electric fastback crossover that will incorporate design elements from the recently revealed Opel Experimental concept. Finally, in the same year, Lancia will introduce the Aurelia, a flagship crossover that will ride on the STLA Medium platform. This platform has already been utilized in the new Peugeot E-3008 and will be used in numerous models across all Stellantis brands.
The Italian government is reportedly offering incentives to encourage Stellantis to produce 1 million vehicles per year in Italy, up from fewer than 700,000 units produced last year due to supply issues. At the Melfi plant specifically, production output has declined from a peak of 393,000 units in 2015 to only 163,646 units in 2021. The introduction of these new models is expected to reverse this trend and breathe new life into the factory floor.
With the confirmation of these five new models, Stellantis is demonstrating its commitment to the future of electric mobility and its investment in the Melfi plant. The production of these midsize models will not only create new job opportunities but also contribute to Italy’s goal of becoming a leader in sustainable transportation.
In conclusion, the Stellantis-owned Melfi plant in Italy is set to become a hub for the production of five new midsize models between 2024 and 2026. These models, including the next-gen Jeep Compass and the Lancia Aurelia, will be based on the STLA Medium platform and showcase Stellantis’ commitment to electric mobility. With incentives from the Italian government and improved labor relationships, the Melfi plant is poised for a bright future as it increases production and contributes to Italy’s sustainable transportation goals.