The ACC joint venture withdraws gigafactory projects in Italy and Germany

According to the plans of the ACC (Automotive Cell Company) joint venture, the gigafactory that was supposed to be built in Termoli, Italy, will not go ahead. Along with the Italian project, the Kaiserslautern gigafactory project in Germany has also been shelved. The news was in the air, and has now been made official by partners Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies.

In short, there were too many unknowns and question marks surrounding this decidedly ambitious idea, which brought together key players in the transport sector, as well as different countries central to the European automotive industry, such as Germany, Italy, and France. Indeed, France is home to the only site built so far, in the Hauts-de-France region, which opened in 2023.

There won’t be any ACC gigafactory in Termoli, Italy

Termoli and Kaiserslautern were supposed to follow closely behind, but uncertainties surrounding the European electrification roadmap certainly weighed heavily on the partners’ decision. Rumors suggest that TotalEnergies has withdrawn from the initial project, prompting the others to exercise caution. Moreover, Stellantis has recently announced a clear reversal of the electrification plans for its range announced by former CEO Tavares just a few years ago. In the near future, the focus will also be on hybrid and endothermic solutions, especially for cars.

Naturally, Italian trade unions have expressed disappointment and concern about the employment implications of ACC’s decision. “The only way to safeguard the Termoli plant is therefore the immediate arrival of mechanical production,” stated the Uilm trade union.