Key facts
- Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa aims to use partnerships with Chinese automakers to avoid European plant closures.
- The company has excess production capacity in Europe and seeks to utilize it through collaborations.
- Stellantis is exploring partnerships with Chinese firms including Leapmotor and Dongfeng.
- These collaborations aim to combine Chinese technology with Stellantis's manufacturing and market access.
- Stellantis plans to invest further in European battery gigafactories.
- The new STLA One platform will initially be used by Peugeot.
Stellantis is looking to forge partnerships with Chinese carmakers to manage its excess production capacity in Europe and prevent plant closures, according to Chief Executive Antonio Filosa. Speaking at the Paris Automotive Summit, Filosa indicated that collaborations with companies like Leapmotor and Dongfeng would allow Stellantis to leverage Chinese technology and manufacturing capabilities while utilizing its existing European factories.
The strategy aims to serve local customers, expand the range of affordable electric vehicles, and avoid direct competition with Stellantis's own brands. Filosa mentioned that similar partnerships are being pursued in markets like India, combining Chinese technological innovation with Stellantis's manufacturing experience and sales network.
In addition to factory utilization, Stellantis plans further investment in battery production in Europe, acknowledging the need for more gigafactories to meet demand and comply with "Made in Europe" requirements. The company is also preparing to launch its new global STLA One platform, initially for Peugeot, as part of its €60 billion FaSTLAne 2030 investment plan, which allocates 40% to shared platforms and technologies to reduce costs and avoid duplication.
Filosa also urged for a swift agreement on European CO2 emissions rules and supportive measures for European production, noting that 90% of objectives are already agreed upon. French President Emmanuel Macron has been promoting diplomatic initiatives and meetings involving manufacturers and suppliers to address these industry challenges.