KUALA LUMPUR: Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers with 14 iconic brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and more, has set its plans for new mobility solutions for the Asean with its ambition to lead the shift to electrification.
Stellantis is aiming to bring its STLA Medium platform — unveiled globally in June — to the Asean region.
STLA Medium is a global BEV-by-design vehicle platform with state-of-the-art features including a best-in-class range of 700km, energy efficiency, embedded power and charging power.
In line with Stellantis’ commitment to long-term sustainability and to achieve the bold ambitions of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy, the automaker is investing over €400 million (RM2bil) to introduce the STLA Medium platform.
The platform enables Stellantis to produce multi-energy vehicles (BEV, ICE, MHEV) in Asean for Asean which can result in local sourcing opportunities for local suppliers and manufacturers of over €990 million (RM5bil) within the next four years.
In a statement, Stellantis said the investment underscores the automotive group's commitment to lead the shift to electrification in Asean markets which can unlock many new opportunities that extend beyond manufacturing.
This could include growth due to a local electrification ecosystem, including the local assembly of battery packs and related new job opportunities, which stimulate local business and positively impact the economy.
Stellantis chief operating officer (Asean & General Distributors) Daniel Gonzalez said the Asean growth and expansion plans align with its global commitment to achieve net carbon zero output by 2038 by reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Gonzalez.
“A big part of our Asean plan centres around innovation that comes with the shift to electrification and technology. This will position Stellantis at the forefront of a new era of mobility solutions.
“The potential of EVs is immense in Asean and we want to lead the expansion of electrification in this region. Producing EVs here in Asean includes the development and engineering of vehicles tailored to the specific needs of local consumers in this region,” Gonzalez said.
In line with its ambitions for the Asean region, Stellantis is partnering with the Indonesian government and other Indonesian stakeholders as part of its localisation and upstream battery materials investment plan to support its electrification strategy.
This includes an agreement with its business partner in Indonesia, Indomobil Group, an experienced local integrated automotive company, to begin local assembly of Citroën electric vehicles in 2024.
Also, in July, Stellantis became a member of the international consortium formed to develop a “Responsible Green Electric Vehicle ecosystem” in Indonesia.
Having these initiatives will help Stellantis grow its presence in Indonesia in support of its goals in the region.
Stellantis acquired 100% ownership of the Gurun plant in Kedah in 2021 and has established its India and Asia Pacific Regional HQ in Kuala Lumpur as part of its “Built in Asean for Asean” roadmap.
Stellantis is evaluating the potential of the Gurun plant as a regional manufacturing hub to manufacture battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for both domestic and export markets in Asean.
The plant currently produces key Peugeot models including 2008, 3008 and 5008 which are distributed to markets in the region including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia.
Other growth initiatives in the region include the establishment of a fully functional Regional Training Academy and Centre for competency-based upskilling in Product, Commercial, and After-sales services, as well as forging business partnerships with local companies to develop new mobility solutions and services.
Stellantis said the Asean & General Distributors organisation is a vital part of the India & Asia Pacific (IAP) region.
The IAP region is one of the “Third Engine” growth regions of Stellantis together with South America and the Middle East & Africa.
Stellantis posted over €180 billion (RM897bil) in net revenues in 2022 and maintains a commercial presence in 130 markets.
It is focused on driving the adoption of BEVs in the Asean region through its portfolio of upper mainstream European brands, global SUVs, American brands, and luxury and premium marques.
The automaker aims to have over 75 BEV models and to reach global annual BEV sales of 5 million vehicles by 2030.
