Stellantis to announce Italy-produced hybrid version of 500 EV, sources say
MILAN (Reuters) - Fiat owner Stellantis is expected to announce on Monday a hybrid version of its 500e small electric car to be produced at its Mirafiori plant in Italy
The announcement is expected at a meeting scheduled in Turin between CEO Carlos Tavares and unions
which have been asking for a new high-volume, cheaper model for Mirafiori to revive its output.
The 500e is assembled at the site in Turin, Fiat's historic home, but a global slowdown in sales of fully-electric vehicles has pushed Stellantis to significantly slow production rates,
The move might also help the carmaker improve its relations with the Italian government, which has often criticised the group for its falling output in the country and for making some of its Fiat and Alfa Romeo models abroad.
On Saturday, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said an agreement was expected in a few days, including announcements of new models for Stellantis' Italian plants.
The hybrid 500e will be based on the same platform as the 500e EV, while Fiat is phasing out the old version of the 500
both petrol-powered and hybrid, which was assembled in Poland.