Stellantis announces the E-Car project aimed at producing a new range of particularly affordable electric cars. In this sense, Fiat will have an inexpensive Panda. Citroën could follow with the return of the 2CV.
Through the E-Car project, Stellantis is in turn launching into the battle for affordable electric cars in order to respond to China. There is in fact a demand that many European manufacturers are still struggling to meet: that of small battery-powered cars sold at reduced prices. Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Stellantis, recently confirmed this by stating that “ one of the main causes of the crisis in the automobile industry in Europe is quite simply the absence of cars under €15,000 ».
M1E standard: the boost from Europe that changes everything for small electric cars
The new M1E category dedicated to vehicles less than 4.20 meters long will benefit these future small cars. The latter will also not be required to comply with the new standards over a period of 10 years. Enough to offer a breath of fresh air to manufacturers who will finally be able to offer truly affordable models thanks to relaxed requirements. The M1E regulations, which have not yet been finalized, will then result in Japanese “Kei Cars”-style vehicles which could benefit from tax advantages.
Official and Made in Europe: Stellantis confirms the big return of the Fiat Panda for 2028
Stellantis has confirmed that it is directly committed to this new standard with the official return of the Fiat Panda, which is, as we recall, more compact than the Grande Panda. The car should be exclusively electric and produced in 2028 in the Italian factory in Pomigliano. Filosa adds that “ customers want the return of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, that are both affordable and environmentally friendly “. Another model could make a comeback in this sense.
After the R5 and the Twingo, Citroën is preparing to resurrect its greatest popular icon
This will be the Citroën 2CV, which will return under a modern reinterpretation like the Fiat Grande Panda. The car could then put the famous snail silhouette back on the table with a generous and comfortable interior like the ancestor. No information has yet leaked on this model but Stellantis maintains that the vehicles will have “ an innovative design and will be equipped with cutting-edge electrical technologies, developed with selected partners ».
Leapmotor in ambush: the Chinese secret hiding under future European cars
Stellantis will naturally turn to the Chinese via its partner Leapmotor, whose sales are growing significantly in Europe. The group notably considered producing an Opel model based on Leapmotor. Strengthening collaboration between the two entities is therefore only just beginning. More details should arrive soon to finally see where the group is heading, which is today being battered by a changing automotive landscape.
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