Amazon Italy between micro-mobility hubs in the city and the shadow of layoffs

On the one hand expansion, on the other cuts. Complex period for Big tech like Amazon, even in Italy. A few days ago the company led by Andy Jassy announced the opening of four micro-mobility hubs in Italy.

Already operational or at the starting line, these proximity warehouses are located at Milan, Naples, Genoa and Bologna and point to make it eco-friendly the last part of the deliveries, the so-called “last mile“. The ordered goods will then arrive at these hubs, from which it will then be sorted mainly with electric cargo scooters in order not to pollute the air, relieve traffic congestion and reduce noise pollution in urban centres.

“Transportation is a key component of Amazon’s strategy to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2040a commitment we have made with the Climate Pledge”, said Gabriele Sigismondi, country director of Amazon Logistics Italia. “These micromobility hubs allow increase the efficiency of our existing facilities and our suppliers’ fleet of electric vehiclesand are already transforming the way we deliver to customers in high-density areas.”

Micromobility hubs are depots of contained dimensions, located in central positions where there are often restricted traffic areas. Their role, however limited at the moment, will become increasingly central to the strategy of the e-commerce giant: micromobility hubs have already been launched in more than 20 European cities and the company plans to double the number of cities involved within the end of 2025.

TO Milanover 25% of parcels in Area C (limited traffic zone) are delivered by Amazon Logistics delivery service providers with zero emission electric cargo scooters thanks to the Rogoredo hub, and the share is set to grow Next year.

TO Naples, 60% of parcels in the congestion charge area are delivered using electric cargo scooters. The micromobility hub of Genoa allows Amazon Logistics delivery service providers to deliver 100% of parcels with electric cargo scooters in the restricted traffic area.

Amazon’s newest micromobility hub is located at Bologna and will make it possible to deliver 100% of parcels in the restricted traffic area of ​​the city by 2023, using electric three-wheeled cargo scooters instead of traditional vans.

As for the layoffs, the general manager of Amazon in Italy Mariangela Marseglia confirmed that the Bel Paese could be affected by the wave of cuts launched overseas. Although at the moment there is no final decision, on the sidelines of the Anci Marseglia assembly he has declared that “after having assumed so much we are starting a general verification process also due to the new economic context that could result” in the first months of 2023 “in adjustments, which in the case will not be indiscriminate“.

“Given the current macroeconomic environment, and considering the rapid growth in hiring we have experienced for several years, some teams are in need of reorganisation. This, in some cases, means that certain roles are sadly no longer needed. We don’t take these decisions lightly and we are working to support all impacted employees.”