Key facts
- Stellantis unveiled concept cars at the Paris Motor Show, including a retro-styled Citroën 2CV EV.
- The new "e-car" category aims for low-cost EVs with a price tag around €15,000 ($16,800).
- The Citroën 2CV EV concept is expected to launch in 2028.
- Stellantis is also showcasing international premieres of DS7, Fiat Grizzly, Lancia Gamma, Opel Corsa GSE, and Leapmotor B03 and D19 models.
- The company's strategy includes giving brands more distinct identities and deeper cooperation with Chinese partners like Leapmotor.
Stellantis is making a concerted effort to re-establish its presence in the European automotive market with a focus on affordable electric vehicles. At the Paris Motor Show, CEO Carlos Tavares unveiled several concept cars, including a modern interpretation of the iconic Citroën 2CV, signaling the company's strategy to compete with low-cost Chinese rivals in a new "e-car" category.
The "e-car" category is designed to offer EVs priced around €15,000 ($16,800), aiming to revitalize Europe's shrinking entry-level car market. The retro-styled 2CV concept, expected to reach production in 2028, is seen as a key test for European automakers' ability to produce affordable EVs without compromising quality or safety.
Stellantis is also showcasing other international premieres such as the DS7, Fiat Grizzly, Lancia Gamma, Opel Corsa GSE, and models from its Chinese partner Leapmotor. The company's broader strategy involves reinforcing the distinct identity of its various brands, a move to counter the design uniformity often seen with shared platforms.
Analysts view this push as critical for Stellantis, which has experienced declining market share and profitability in key regions like North America and Europe. Investors are looking for evidence that CEO Tavares' turnaround plan, which includes cost cuts and increased cooperation with Chinese partners, is effective. The company's shares have recently fallen to their lowest point since its formation in 2021, and analysts at Bernstein have expressed concerns about consumer demand, suggesting recent sales gains may be due to inventory rebuilding rather than stronger buyer interest. Felipe Munoz of Car Industry Analysis emphasized the need for Stellantis to present a more competitive EV lineup to counter the rapid expansion of Chinese automakers in Europe.