Abruzzo and Molise request industrial crisis status for automotive sector

The regional governments of Abruzzo and Molise have submitted a joint request to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit) to officially recognize their territory as a complex industrial crisis area due to the decline of the automotive sector.

The request includes an Industrial Reconversion and Redevelopment Plan (Prri) aimed at safeguarding employment and revitalizing businesses through innovation, training, infrastructure, and new investments. The regions warn of “noteworthy job losses” resulting from an inability to innovate or adapt to the changing European automotive market and new competitors.

The crisis is particularly acute in Molise, where the automotive sector accounts for 32% of regional exports. Reports indicate that over 1,200 jobs have already been lost in the Molise automotive industry, a 32.35% reduction from reference levels. Production at the Stellantis plant in Termoli has reportedly dropped by 60% compared to 2015. In Abruzzo, the workforce at the former Sevel plant in Atessa has fallen below 5,000 units. The plan seeks to reduce dependence on single large clients and promote industrial reconversion across affected municipalities.