In the rapidly changing world of the automotive industry, the transition to electric vehicles has become a top priority for many manufacturers. However, while Stellantis, the automotive giant formed by the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler, initially made statements about its commitment to electrification, the latest signs are of a slight retreat on that trajectory.

Sales below expectations

Although sales of electric cars are growing, they still do not meet market expectations. For Stellantis, this leads to disappointing results for some of its flagship models. There Fiat 500ealthough promising, showed sales below expectations, as well as its sports version, the Abarth 500. These not-so-encouraging results have prompted discussions about the production of a thermal version of the Fiat 500 in Italy (it is currently produced in Poland), raising questions about a further commitment to electrification. assortment For your information, due to the lack of a sufficient number of orders, the Italian manufacturer stopped the production of its electric car several times. In 2023, Fiat hoped to produce more than 90,000 Fiat 500e, in the end only 77,000 examples were assembled. But Stellantis is not alone in this doubt about its electricity strategy. Other brands in the group also seemed poised to fully enter the EV market, but the signs point to a possible return to the past, or at least a slowing of the forced move towards electricity. We’re learning, for example, that the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, which seemed destined to be purely electric offerings, now raise doubts about their engine.

There’s no turning back, right?

Despite these signs of decline, Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, remains steadfast in the company’s direction. He insists that there will be no turning back from electricity. However, he admits it the transition may take a little longer, until consumers are fully convinced to adopt electric vehicles, which has not yet been won. Stellantis’ long-term plans also remain confirmed, supported the prospect of a potential ban on the sale of cars with internal combustion engines in Europe. However, the reality of the current market and the sales performance of recently launched electric models may prompt the company to reconsider its strategy if performance does not improve. For Stellantis, as for other manufacturers, finding a balance between innovation and commercial reality remains a key challenge in the race to a greener future for the car.