The Italian Automotive Industry: Between Old and New Development Factors

Abstract

The Italian automotive industry highlights particular characteristics compared to other countries. In Italy, there is only one important assembler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which is one of the most important European automotive supply chain, characterised by a clear predominance of SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) that were once dependent on the national producer. The last decade has marked important changes in this historical condition. First was the internationalisation process of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Second, the economic and financial crisis has generated strong repercussions on the automotive industry, which, since 2008, has recorded a sharp decline in car production, especially in Italy. Based on this ever-changing scenario, this chapter analyses the restructuring process of the Italian automotive supply chain and which development factors have changed over time.