Stellantis hopes to accelerate its automated vehicle production capabilities with a controversial investment deal that will pump funds into its spin-off Italian robotics company.

The automaker group announces it has completed its investment plan in Comau S.p.A., a specialist in industrial automation and advanced robotics.

Comau's spin-off from Stellantis was part of agreements between Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, which merged in 2021 to create Stellantis.

However, in October the Italian government raised concerns about the deal that includes a majority stake in the company by U.S. and European equity company One Equity Partners.

Earlier this year the automaker agreed to sell a 50.1% stake in Comau to One Equity with Stellantis retaining a 49.9% stake.

The deal, which was also criticized by Italian trade unions, triggered government scrutiny with the power to block or restrict deals involving Italian companies that operate in strategic industries.

Since then, the office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni released a statement saying One Equity and Stellantis are “committed to make sure the deal will have a positive impact on jobs in the medium-long term.”

While no financial details are yet disclosed, Stellantis says the deal positions Comau for enhanced growth and innovation.

Stellantis chairman John Elkann says: “I want to express my gratitude to Comau’s employees for providing innovative products and services to all its customers. I am confident that Comau, under its new ownership, has the right leadership, strategy and operational discipline to create sustainable, long-term value for all its stakeholders, from Italy to the world.”