Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest car group, is offering its permanent factory employees a chance to voluntarily resign in exchange for a financial package.
This news comes shortly after CEO Carlos Tavares publicly hinted at the possibility of shutting down some of the group's unprofitable car brands.
The development has sparked speculation about which brand might be the first to face cuts.
Some believe the Italian brand Lancia could be at risk, while others suggest that Maserati might be sold off.
This is not the first time Stellantis has offered voluntary severance packages.
In November of last year, the company implemented a similar scheme to reduce its workforce by 6,400 positions.
According to Automotive News, Stellantis management sent out a new email on July 30 offering these voluntary resignations. While the exact number of employees the company hopes to reduce is unclear, a more specific offer is expected to be presented to employees later in August.
Stellantis is not alone in offering such deals.
Ford also made a similar offer to its employees in November, following a lengthy dispute with unions over pay and working conditions.
