As much the last presentation of Stellantis (for those who still do not know, giant automobile group resulting from the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) had left us as a taste of too little considering the fact that there had been little , very few product announcements in particular, as we had much more to eat with the presentation of the first half results. New things, we know it’s going to rain. 21 in the next two years alone: 10 plug-in hybrids and 11 zero-emission models. And many others thereafter. We also know more about the electrification strategy of the various brands that make up the group. Here are the main things to remember.
[End of the LT] #Stellantis #HY2021: THANK YOU for following this live tweet. You will find all the information concerning our half-year financial results here: https://t.co/5I0gghcHoD pic.twitter.com/iAR0jcNasF
– Stellantis (@Stellantis) August 3, 2021
1. Alfa Romeo: 100% electric in 2027
We know some who will cringe. Even if the new slogan of the Italian brand (“From 2024, Alfa Romeo Becomes Alfa e-Romeo”, “From 2024, Alfa Romeo becomes Alfa e-Romeo” in the language of Molière) shared on the occasion of the previous Stellantis event could lead one to think, no, the Milanese manufacturer is not going to change its name. But this brand signing said a lot about Alfa Romeo’s electrification strategy. It was necessary to understand that it was going to become a 100% electric brand, this was confirmed even yesterday. In 2027, there will no longer be a single thermal, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle in the range, other than electric ones. Unlike DS or Lancia (see below), the transition will be more abrupt, since all models that are not zero emissions will simply no longer be available in the catalog.
2. DS: all the zero-emission novelties from 2024
Carlos Tavarès, CEO of the Stellantis group, welcomed this. DS is, of all the brands that make it up (the group), the one with the highest electrified mix. That said, it is relatively easy since there are only 2 vehicles in the catalog in all and for all. The DS 4 and DS 9 will however soon join the DS 7 Crossback and DS 3 Crossback in dealerships. But, it is not finished, since in 2024, all the innovations presented will be zero emission models. The vehicles still in the catalog by then, probably all of them, will continue to be available for sale from that date. This is the main difference with Alfa Romeo.
3. Fiat: back to the B segment in 2023
Another important announcement during the presentation of the first half results, Fiat will return to the B segment in 2023. A big announcement, really? No, it should be the replacement for the 500X SUV, now at the end of its career. The former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group announced at the end of last year that it would modernize a factory located in Tichy, Poland to produce new hybrid and electric models with the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep names from second half of 2022. Rumors point to a B-segment SUV, so the replacements for the 500X, Jeep Renegade and a novelty for the last manufacturer which is not present in this segment.
4. Jeep: presentation of the 5-seater Grand Cherokee imminent
It’s new, the new generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in two variants: long 7-seater and short 5-seater. The first was unveiled at the start of the year, the second will be presented in a few days at the New York Motor Show, which will be held from August 20 to 29. The American manufacturer could take the opportunity to officially announce its arrival in Europe. And because it was announced a few weeks ago, all new Jeeps will be available in a 4xe plug-in hybrid version by 2025. The Grand Cherokee will be no exception. An additional reason for it to land on our roads since without electrified motorization, there is no salvation with us for such a vehicle.
5. Lancia: 100% electrified from 2024, all new products 100% electric from 2026, the range will expand
Since the creation of the Stellantis group, discussions have been going well concerning Lancia. Will the brand be reborn? Will it produce other models than the Ypsilon, the one and only model still assembled today, and again, reserved only for Italy where it also figures very well (2nd in the general classification 2020) ? The answer is yes, it is for sure. Carlos Tavarès has confirmed that there will be new Lancia badges in the coming years. How many, we don’t know yet. More than one, that’s for sure. A new Delta? Another model? The bets have been made.
However, it will be necessary to be patient since the next one is not expected before a minimum of 2023, or even perhaps 2024. As is the case for the two other premium brands of the group raised (Alfa Romeo and DS), the zero emission models will have a fundamental place. In 2024, all models will be electrified. And from 2026, all new products will be systematically 100% electric. As is the case for DS, vehicles already in the catalog will not be shelved.
6. Maserati: the Grecale SUV revealed at the end of the year
At Maserati too, there will be something new. But there won’t be any need to wait very long. Besides the recent introduction of the lightly hybridized Levante, the first MC20s will be delivered as early as next month, but last but not least, the manufacturer will finally lift the veil on the Levante’s little brother, the Grecale. No specific date announced, the presentation will take place in the last quarter of 2021. It should therefore land on the roads from next year.
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