'We need all Italian plants' says Stellantis boss

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 15 - Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said Thursday the Italo-Franco-US carmaker needed all its Italian factors after sparking union alarm earlier this month by saying some plants might be threatened unless the group got major subsidies to make electric cars, and before the subsidies arrived.
    'To reach the target of one million vehicles we need all the Italian plants, so there is definitely a future for Pomigliano and Mirafiori," said the Portuguese manager at a press conference on the 2023 accounts, which showed record profits last year.
    "New models will arrive, but I cannot say which ones yet.
    "The Panda will be replaced".
    On the subsidies, Tavares said "We are satisfied with the incentives.
    "A very good decision, we thank the government.
    "Consumers will benefit.
    "To reach the goal of producing one million vehicles we have to work with the Italian government and that is what we are doing".
    Tavares also reiterated a denial of media rumours on a possible merger with Renault. (ANSA).