The world's fourth-largest car group, Stellantis, is now regretting its previous statement. The management says that it will not only build electric cars in 2035.
Car manufacturer Stellantis has regretted the group's previous decision to focus exclusively on electric cars in Europe from 2035. This marks a shift in the group's strategy, which has previously been to support the European Commission's goal of banning new combustion engines.
"We hope that the EU understands that a more flexible approach is needed," said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Stellantis' European director, during a meeting with Italy's Minister of Industry, Adolfo Urso.
Imparato presented the group's so-called Italy plan, which points to alternative solutions to exclusively building electric cars.
This is whatMotor1 writes.
Stellantis' change of heart comes after a period of declining sales and criticism of its previous focus on electric cars. The previous global director, Carlos Tavares, had otherwise supported a complete phase-out of the combustion engine.
Tavares said in 2022 that global warming was a reality and that it was the responsibility of car brands to act on behalf of future generations.
Since then, the strategy has been adjusted. Imparato has now taken on a more prominent role in the dialogue with the EU.
At the same time, Stellantis has chosen to rejoin ACEA, an association of European car manufacturers. Here too, pressure will be put on the EU to slow down the upcoming ban.
A key element of Stellanti's new stance on the internal combustion engine is a so-called "non-paper". The document, which the car company wants the Italian government to sign, proposes that sales of internal combustion engines powered by synthetic fuel should be allowed to continue if they are in practice zero-emission.
According to Imparato, however, such changes will not only require support from the EU but also significant investments.
Something that Stellantis may get further clarification on in January, when the European Parliament will discuss the ban on the combustion engine again. At the same time, the document from the meeting with the Italian government will be presented to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
However, Stellantis faces a whole range of challenges. Including the increasingly strict CO2 reduction from brand new cars towards 2035. If these goals are not met, the group could risk major penalties. And it is not alone. In fact, there are only two car brands that can even meet the EU's requirements. Read more about it here .
