Stellantis to produce affordable electric cars in Italy

The Stellantis Group announced Tuesday that it will start producing so-called "e-cars" in Italy in 2028, small and affordable electric cars for the European market, an announcement that marks the group's return to the low-cost segment, AFP reports.

These "e-cars", which will be sold under several of the brands in the group's portfolio, will be manufactured in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy, in a factory that notably produced the Fiat Panda model, the Franco-Italian group said, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

The Fiat Panda is a prime example of the affordable city cars that were once a hit in the European auto industry, until European manufacturers, led by Stellantis, began to focus on more expensive models.

The group, with its fourteen brands (Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Chrysler, Opel, Jeep, Ram, etc.), which has lost market share in Europe over the past four years, is relying on these models to win back European consumers and promises an ''innovative design'' as well as ''latest generation electric technologies''.

This is also a strategy to resist the wave of cheap Chinese electric cars sweeping Europe.

Stellantis follows the example of rivals Renault and Volkswagen, which from 2024-2025 began to reduce prices and develop or announce small and affordable electric cars.

''e-Car is a compact, innovative and affordable electric vehicle, developed in the European tradition of mobility for all. It responds to the unprecedented contraction of the small and affordable car segment in Europe in recent years,'' explained Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, quoted in a press release.

"Customers want us to return to small and elegant vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are both affordable and environmentally friendly," Filosa stressed.

At the same time, this initiative will allow the Franco-Italian-American group to meet the requirements of the European Union, which requires car manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of electric vehicles in Europe.

The European Commission announced on December 16 the creation of a new category of affordable electric cars, which will be taxed less, provided they are produced in Europe. The European Parliament still has to ratify this proposal.

Brussels has outlined several criteria for this category: a length of less than 4.20 meters and a price below 15,000 euros. The electric models Renault R5 and Twingo, as well as the future Volkswagen ID. Polo, were given as examples by the community executive.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK (Stellantis)