Stellantis delays the STLA Small platform that will power the future Peugeot E-2008

2024 is being a very complicated year in terms of forecasting and meeting electrical objectives. Brands are having problems meeting registration forecasts in the face of a more than clear sign of cooling. Europe and the rest of the world, with the exception of China, seem to have taken a break when it comes to the adoption of electric cars. Stellantis bases its future strategy on four platforms that will support future launches and renewals. Now, as reported by the Automotive Tribune, Stellantis has decided to delay the arrival of the STLA Small platform for two years.

As we have already mentioned, the conglomerate led by Carlos Tavares The STLA structures are the backbone on which almost all launches will be based. There will be four different versions depending on size: STLA Small, Medium, Large and Frame. The latter will only be used in industrial or derivative models. It is estimated that the Small and Medium versions will power more than 40 million cars around the world in the coming years. A figure that highlights the importance and vital need that Stellantis has for its platform.

Vigo delays its electricity plans for two years, until 2029

However, the cooling of the market has fallen like a bucket of cold water on the offices. Yestellantis has decided to extend the life of its utility vehicles, segment B, based on the CMP platform until 2029when the initial proposed date was 2027. Two more years with some models that by the end of the decade will already have an excess of courses on top. The factories have been the first to notice the blow. As detailed in the aforementioned media, the Vigo factory has just included the change of dates in its new workers’ statute. Although this delay will not mean any change in terms of jobs and volume.

Production should have started in September 2027 of the first units based on the STLA Small platform in the Vigo factory. The Galician factory, together with the Zaragoza factory, will be two of the production centers that will assemble models based on the versatile architecture. France and Italy will have other facilities. The estimated production volume for the Vigo factory is 195,000 units per year, while the Aragonese plant is ordered to manufacture 335,000 units per year. The interest shown is clear. Stellantis to support production in Spainpartly attracted by Perte VEC funds. The company has five years to execute the investment.

The situation that Stellantis is experiencing is neither unique nor particular. Many brands are delaying critical strategic plans following several cycles of business instability. The brands have their future in the electric car, but the market is several steps behind. Carlos Tavares, who will not live at the head of the corporation to see the new strategy, retires at the end of 2026, he has already warned that the situation is critical. The CEO has made his position regarding continental policies. Tariffs will serve no purpose, neither to stop Chinese brands nor to strengthen the European industry. Quite the opposite.