The automotive sector is one of Italy’s major industries. According to July 2020 data, there were more than 5,500 companies operating in the sector, employing over 274,000 people, more than 7% of the Italian manufacturing workforce. In 2019, turnover was almost 106 billion euro (about $128 billion), which represents 11% of Italy’s manufacturing turnover and 6.2% of Italy’s GDP.
In 2019, the number of cars produced reached a total of 542,000 units (19.5% less than in 2018). Italy also had a sizable production of light commercial vehicles (312,000 units in 2019, 4% less than in 2018). The total (cars + light commercial vehicles) was 854,000 units. The production of trucks was about 60,000 units both in 2019 and 2018. The production of buses was in the last year almost negligible (about 500 units). Vehicle production in 2020 fell sharply in the first months of the year and grew in the final months. Provisional data highlight about 720,000 vehicles (cars + light commercial vehicles) produced in 2020, https://www.repubblica.it/economia/2021/01/05/news/la_produzione_di_auto_in_italia_e_scesa_del_12_4_nel_2020-281229491/
The Italian auto components sector had a turnover of 49.2 billion euro (about $59 billion) in 2019, 4% less than in 2018. There were about 2,200 companies in the sector, which employed over 160,000 workers. Piedmont is the heart of the Italian automotive industry (companies in this area account for about 40% of national production).
The current production evolution from thermal engines to electromobility (hybrid and electric) is reshaping the sector and may offer opportunities to U.S. manufacturers of vehicle components, charging infrastructures and diagnostic equipment for maintaining new hybrid and electric vehicles. There are also opportunities for car tuning, but Italian regulations are stricter than European ones, especially as concerns mechanical alterations to vehicles. Most alterations need to be approved by the car manufacturer and highlighted in the documentation that travels with the vehicle.
Market Break-Down by Type of Fuel
The Italian Market
Car fuel use in the Italian market:
1.
total, in 2019). In December 2020 their share of the market shrank to 33.4%.
2.
December 2020 their share of the market shrank to 25.1%.
3.
2019). In December 2020 their share of the market increased to 41.4%.
In particular:
LPG vehicle sales were 93,464, i.e. 6.8% of the total, in 2020 (135,495, i.e. 7.1%, in 2019). In December 2020 their share of the market shrank to 6%.
Methane vehicle sales were 31,615 i.e. 2.3% of the total, in 2020 (38,622, i.e. 2%, in 2019). In December 2020 their share of the market increased to 2.5%.
Hydrogen vehicle sales were just 2 units in 2020 (17 in 2019).
Electric vehicle sales were 32,485, i.e. 2.4% of the total, in 2020 (10,668, i.e. 0.6%, in 2019). In December 2020 their share of the market increased to 2.5%. Tesla sales in Italy were 3,804 units in 2020, i.e. 0.28% of the market, up from 2,453 units, i.e. 0.13%, in 2019). In short, Tesla sales increased by 55% in one year. Besides 20 Tesla Superchargers available in Italy, drivers can charge their vehicles at hundreds of so-called ‘destination charging’ locations at shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, etc.
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Italy
FCA CEO Mike Manley - who will head Stellantis’ key North American operations – said 40% of the carmaker’s expected synergies would come from convergence of platforms and powertrains and from optimizing R&D investments, 35% will come from savings on purchases, and another 7% from savings on sales operations and general expenses. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-stellantis-deal/after-long-journey-fiat-chrysler-and-psa-seal-merger-to-become-stellantis-idUSKBN29L001. Most component manufacturers located in the Piedmont region are positively disposed towards the agreement between FCA and PSA.