The Stellantis plant in Mirafiori will remain operational until at least 2032-2033 through the production of the New Fiat 500, according to the automotive group's Europe chief, Jean- Philippe Imparato.

The manager, during a press conference in Turin, added that Stellantis' decision to rejoin Acea (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers) means adhering to its proposals, including opposing EU emissions rules for 2025.

Acea considers it a priority to revise the 2025 targets for EU rules on cutting Co2 emissions for new cars so that carmakers are not forced to pay multi-billion euro fines.

Stellantis will "never" pay the fines, "we are ready to reduce production to avoid it," Imparato said.

Europe's auto industry is in trouble, with thousands of jobs in the balance between automakers and their suppliers, suffering from weakening demand, competition from China, and lower-than-expected sales of electric vehicles.

As a result, the manager called government support "crucial" to deal with the coming year.

(Giulio Piovaccari, Italian version Francesca Piscioneri, editing Antonella Cinelli)