Currently reading: Fiat Chrysler: Italian factories still operating despite restrictions

US-Italian car giant says its Italian operations are still running despite country-wide coronavirus restrictions

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says that its factories in Italy are continuing to operate as normal, after the country’s government extended quarantine measures to combat the coronavirus.

Over the weekend, the Italian government introduced travel restrictions in northern Italy following a major outbreak of COVID-19 in the region, before extending them to cover the whole country yesterday (Monday) evening. The restrictions do allow for employees to go to work.

UPDATE: Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari close factories amid coronavirus outbreak 

The FCA Group has a major manufacturing presence in Italy, with 16 production facilities spread throughout the country that make cars and engines for its brands, including Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep.

In a statement, FCA said it has already introduced a number of safeguards for its Italian operations to protect the health of employees, and was introducing further measures in line with the new Government rules. It added: “FCA is taking action in all areas of its operations in Italy to maintain its business continuity, as made possible by the newly enacted rules. Currently the Group’s Italian plans and key functions are continuing to operate as planned. The Group has put in place extensive preventative measures to secure continuity of its supply chain.

"The Group will continue to monitor the situation and work to protect the safety of its employees and ensure the continuity of its business.”

Fiat recently revealed the new third-generation electric-only 500, staging an online launch with a video filmed in Milan to support the region affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The car was originally due to be shown at the Geneva motor show, before that event was cancelled.

Ferrari’s factory is also continuing to operate as normal, despite being in one of the regions affected by the initial Italian travel restrictions.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Peter Cavellini 10 March 2020

Export?

Are they, at the moment, allowed to export Cars?, if so, are these cars given extra checks?

scotty5 10 March 2020

You Plonker

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Are they, at the moment, allowed to export Cars?, if so, are these cars given extra checks?

I'm just shaking my head in disbelief at that comment.

As the saying goes, better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.

Bob Cat Brian 10 March 2020

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Are they, at the moment, allowed to export Cars?, if so, are these cars given extra checks?

Don't worry Peter, Heavily armed HMRC Borderforce soldiers will search all incoming Italian built cars for Covid-19 stowaways illegally migrating into the UK. Shoot on sight. Zero tolerance for illegal immigrants of all species.