The dual sale of iveco – involving the defence vehicles division being sold to Leonardo and the remaining business going to India's Tata Motors – was addressed by the italian minister for Enterprises during a parliamentary session. After stating that such sales can “become – if well structured – an important and significant development opportunity for both the defence and civilian sectors”, the minister announced the establishment of a permanent ministerial roundtable that will oversee the entire process. Its purpose will be “to ensure maximum protection for the workers involved and to enhance the industrial heritage of Iveco and the entire supply chain, with particular attention to production and employment aspects”.
The minister also said he would be monitoring issues “related to the protection of technology and research within the industrial heritage, using, where necessary, the tools provided under current legislation to ensure appropriate oversight of strategically relevant assets”. The next meeting with the companies involved in the acquisition is scheduled for early september and will be held in two separate sessions. Trade unions and the regions hosting the plants will also take part. “On that occasion, I am convinced that binding and continuous commitments will emerge that must guarantee protection for all,” the minister added.
He went on to stress that this situation differs from the attempted acquisition of Iveco in 2021, when a chinese group was involved. That deal was ultimately blocked following his intervention as president of Copasir. “At the time, I highlighted the risks of strategic defence technologies being sold to a non-european company,” the minister explained. Now, on the other hand, iveco can be sold to an indian company because the defence vehicles division will go to an italian firm.
