Investing.com -- Stellantis NV is projected to manufacture approximately 450,000 vehicles in Italy this year, according to a quarterly report released Tuesday by the FIM Cisl union. The figure represents an increase from 2025 production levels but falls short of earlier projections.

The automaker assembled 340,745 vehicles in Italy during the first nine months of 2026, marking a 28% rise compared to the same period last year, FIM Cisl reported.

The production growth was fueled by the introduction of new models, including the Jeep Compass SUV and the hybrid Fiat 500, alongside strong performance from the Fiat Panda. The union said additional new models entering production are expected to support output during the remaining months of 2026.

The hybrid Fiat 500, which played a major role in the production recovery, is now forecast to reach only about 60,000 units this year, significantly below Stellantis' original target of 100,000 vehicles. Production has been affected by repeated stoppages due to engine-component shortages and demand that came in weaker than anticipated, according to the union.

FIM Cisl projects total 2026 production will include more than 250,000 passenger cars, marking a reversal of a two-year decline in Italian manufacturing output for the company. Stellantis is Italy's only major automaker.

In 2025, Stellantis produced just under 380,000 vehicles in Italy, including 213,706 passenger cars, the lowest production level recorded since 1954.