Stellantis wants to keep the Autobianchi and Innocenti brands if

Stellantis wants to keep its dormant Autobianchi and Innocenti brands but said it would respect local laws if they allow the Italian government to take control of the two car companies.

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In July, an Italian newspaper claimed that the government could take over the two companies after passing a law in December that would allow it to acquire historic brands that have not been used for at least five years. The idea is that Italian authorities could provide these names to Chinese companies in the hope that this would encourage them to build factories in the country.

READ: Italy may offer Zombie Stellantis brand to Chinese carmaker

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares was recently asked about the topic at a press conference and confirmed that the group would try to retain both brands if possible.

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“We will respect the law no matter what it is,” he said. “If the law doesn’t provide for it, then we will do our best to protect our interests.”

Autobianchi was founded in 1955 and acquired by Fiat in 1968. The company produced vehicles including the A112 and Y10, but production ceased in 1995 when it was merged into Lancia. Innocenti began producing cars in 1960 and even produced an Italian version of the Mini. It was acquired by Fiat in 1980 and officially ceased operations in the 1990s.

Automotive News reports that Stratis was never notified of the Italian government’s purported proposal to acquire the two defunct automakers.

At the same press conference, Tavares noted that Stellantis already has 15 brands and said “I think we have enough,” adding, “We have enough on our plate and we will try to manage our business.”

The Italian government and Strantis have been at loggerheads for months. Stellantis has promised to increase local production to 1 million vehicles per year, but its local production is actually declining, and by the end of 2024, the company may produce only 500,000 vehicles in Italy, 25% less than last year.

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