concessionario

Concessionario is an Italian term referring to a person or company that has received a concession to operate a public service or to distribute or sell products on behalf of a principal. The term derives from concessione, the act of granting a right or privilege.

In commerce, a concessionario may be a dealer authorized by a manufacturer or brand to sell and, in many cases, service its products. Concessionari often operate within a network with exclusive or selective rights and are responsible for duties such as inventory management, adherence to brand standards, customer service, and warranty obligations.

In the public sector, a concessionario is the entity entrusted by a public authority to operate, upgrade, and maintain a service or infrastructure for a defined period under a concession contract (concessione). This model is used for toll roads, ports, airports, water and waste management, and public transport. The concessionaire receives remuneration through tariffs, payments from the government, or a mix, and assumes investment and performance risks. The granting authority regulates the contract and monitors performance, quality of service, and affordability, with possible renegotiation or revocation provisions.

The feminine form concessionaria is common when referring to a dealership or service center (for example, concessionaria di auto). The masculine concessionario can refer to the operator or company itself or to a person in charge. The term is widely used in Italian business and infrastructure contexts.