Italy’s government has said Fiat must commit to keeping all five of its car plants in Italy if it goes ahead with an Opel takeover, media reports said on Tuesday.


“Keeping the five Fiat plants in Italy is indispensable,” economic development minister Claudio Scajola told Italian news agencies, according to AFP.


Fiat workers have been reported widely fear plant closures in Italy if the group takes control of Opel.


Workers staged a demonstration last Saturday in the northern city of Turin, Fiat’s home town, to demand guarantees that plants in Italy would be maintained.


Fiat’s plans have also unnerved Opel workers who have predicted possible job cuts and plant closures in Germany, Italy, Belgium and Britain.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne on Tuesday met in Frankfurt with the head of the powerful IG Metall union, which is firmly opposed to a Fiat takeover of Opel.


A union spokeswoman later told AFP Marchionne had asked for the meeting, adding that the items covered would remain confidential.


Marchionne on Friday said he would do his best “to guarantee the greatest number of jobs in Italy” and pledged to confer with government and labour representatives once his takeover talks with Opel are completed, the news agency noted.