Rome, Feb 19 – I have never been part of the “anti-Agnelli” party, and I realize I am in the minority, but I cannot help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment as I witness the downfall of the once-glorious Italian automotive industry.
The recent merger between Fiat and French automaker PSA Group, resulting in the creation of Stellantis, has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. As an Italian, I have always taken pride in our country’s rich history and legacy in the world of cars. From iconic brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini to more mainstream ones like Fiat and Alfa Romeo, Italy has always been synonymous with luxury, style, and innovation in the automotive world.
But now, with the birth of Stellantis, the nation of motors has been reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. The merger, which was touted as a strategic move to create a global automotive giant, has in reality, stripped Italy of its autonomy and control over its own automotive industry. The new company will be headquartered in the Netherlands, with the majority of its board members being French and German. This is a far cry from the days when Fiat was a symbol of Italian pride and excellence.
As an avid car enthusiast, I cannot help but feel a sense of loss as I see the Italian automotive industry being swallowed up by foreign companies. It is a sad reality that the once-powerful Fiat, which was founded in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli, has now become just a small part of a larger conglomerate. The Agnelli family, who have been at the helm of Fiat for over a century, have also lost their grip on the company, with only one member remaining on the board of Stellantis.
But beyond my personal sentiments, the creation of Stellantis has also raised concerns about the future of Italian jobs and the country’s economy. With the headquarters of the new company being located outside of Italy, there are fears that jobs and investments will be shifted to other countries, leaving many Italians unemployed. This is a worrying prospect, especially in a country that has been hit hard by the economic crisis.
However, despite all these negative aspects, I choose to remain optimistic. I believe that the Italian automotive industry still has a lot to offer to the world. Our country is home to some of the most talented and skilled engineers, designers, and craftsmen, who have the ability to create beautiful and innovative cars. And with the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, there is an opportunity for Italy to once again become a leader in the automotive industry.
Moreover, the merger between Fiat and PSA Group also presents an opportunity for collaboration and exchange of ideas between Italian and French companies. This could lead to the development of new and exciting projects, which could benefit both countries.
In conclusion, while the creation of Stellantis may have dealt a blow to the Italian automotive industry, I choose to see it as a new chapter in our country’s history. Yes, we may have lost some of our autonomy and control, but we still have the talent, the passion, and the potential to make a comeback. Let us not forget the words of Enzo Ferrari, “What’s behind you doesn’t matter.” Let us look forward and work towards a brighter future for the Italian automotive industry.