Stellantis change strategy: not just electric, now yes decidedly bet on the hybrid. Thanks to the excellent results obtained, in fact, the automotive group, born from the merger of Psa Group and Fca, has decided to strongly orient its strategy towards this technology. In 2024, the company recorded a c41% growth in sales of hybrid models in the EU30 compared to the previous year and expects to further increase sales volumes with upcoming launches.
To therefore respond to the growing demand for sustainable mobility, Stellantis has the launch of thirty new hybrid vehicles is planned this year, with an additional six models expected by 2026.
This new strategy represents a clear orientation towards hybrid vehicles, distinguishing itself from the all-electric approach to technologies that are experiencing some difficulties in the market. The hybrid variants not only promise an excellent driving experience, but also a significant reduction in CO2 emissions at a more affordable cost than fully electric or plug-in hybrid options.
Stellantis: the new hybrid models arriving
Stellantis planned to expand its range of hybrid models with numerous launches expected in the coming years, further consolidating its presence on the European market. Currently, are available or coming soon a variety of Stellantis hybrid vehicles in Europe this year, including:
- Alfa Romeo: Junior and Tonale
- Citroën: New C3, New C3 AirCross, C4, C4X, C5 AirCross and C5X
- DS: DS 3 and DS 4
- Fiat: Panda and 600
- Jeep®: Avenger, Renegade and Compass
- New Lancia Ypsilon
- Maserati: Grecale
- Opel/Vauxhall: Corsa, Astra, Astra SportsTourer, Mokka, Frontera and New Grandland
Peugeot: 208, 308, 308 SW, 408, 2008, New 3008 and New 5008
Currently, Stellantis produces hybrid models in over 70% of its factories in Europe. With the eTransmissions joint venture, Stellantis and its partner produce eDCTs in Metz, France, and Turin, Italy, supplying eleven production facilities. Combined production capacity is over 1,2 million eDCTs per year.
eDCT technology: the heart of Stellantis hybrid models
Most of Stellantis' hybrid models in Europe are equipped with the advanced eDCT technology (electrified Dual Clutch Transmission). This technology is essential to ensure efficient and smooth operation of the hybrid system. Featuring an integrated 21 kW electric motor, eDCT technology allows for silent and eco-friendly driving, particularly useful in urban areas.
The 48 V, 0,9 kWh battery offers sufficient range to travel short distances in all-electric mode, improving the overall efficiency of the vehicle. During deceleration and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and recharging the battery. This approach not only reduces fuel consumption, but also CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional combustion engines with automatic transmission.
“In a historical period where sustainability meets innovation, Stellantis renews its commitment to advancing hybrid technology for European customers,” said uwe hochgeschurtz, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis for an enlarged Europe. “This technology improves the efficiency and performance of traditional combustion engines, and projects us towards a future with reduced emissions, extended vehicle autonomy and greater economic accessibility for customers.”
Stellantis: 25% drop in production in the first half of the year
In the first half of 2024, the Italian production by Stellantis marks a heavy contraction. According to Fim-Cisl data, the group's factories produced a total of 303.510 vehicles, rrecording a drop of 25,2% compared to the previous year. This marks a sharp turnaround after three years of constant growth from 2021 to 2023. Only two factories, Pomigliano and Atessa, maintained a positive sign with a modest increase of 2%.
La more critical situation occurred in the second quarter, with a further worsening of -35,9% in car production, highlighting a significant impact of the wait for government incentives on domestic demand. A trend that puts the group's annual targets at risk, with projections that indicate a annual production around 500.000 units, well below the 751.000 in 2023 and far from the strategic goal of one million vehicles by 2030.
The drop in production leads to the early closure of Mirafiori
Among the factories most affected by the decline, Mirafiori is the one that reaches the greatest contraction. Already impressed by different closures over the course of the semester, it Mirafiori plant has seen one decrease of -63,4% compared to the previous year, with production falling to just 19.510 vehicles. This drastic drop led to the decision to bring forward the summer closing of the 20-day establishment, taking it from July 15th to August 25th instead of the traditional date of August 4th.
The reduction in production was mainly attributed to poor performance of the 500e and the lack of new models to be produced, despite the introduction of government incentives starting from June 2024. The union has flagged concerns for the future of the plant, highlighting the risk of further declines in production and raising doubts about Stellantis' future strategy for Mirafiori, in particular as regards concerns Maserati models.
