Fiat could return to India with Stellantis

Published On: 3 October 2023
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The STLA M platform by Stellantis is set to underpin upcoming models from Jeep, Citroen, and Fiat, offering a potential opportunity for Fiat to make a comeback in India.

Stellantis, the company responsible for Jeep and Citroen brands in India, plans to reintroduce Fiat to the country using the STLA Medium (M) platform. This platform will also be employed for the next-gen Jeep Compass and Citroen's upcoming models.

Globally, Stellantis heavily relies on the STLA M platform, which will serve as the basis for future Fiat models. By utilizing the same platform already in use for Jeep and Citroen in India, introducing Fiat models becomes cost-effective.

The STLA M platform is the first of four global battery electric vehicle (BEV)-centric platforms from Stellantis, offering modularity and adaptability for various vehicle lengths, wheelbases, and drivetrains. It supports power outputs ranging from 215hp to 382hp and offers over 700 km of range on the WLTP cycle. Additionally, the platform's flexibility allows for different body styles, including sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, enhancing ride and handling compared to older platforms used by Stellantis.

As part of the company's strategy, all future models from Jeep and Citroen in India will be based on the common STLA platform, fostering synergies on a global and local level.

The upcoming Jeep Compass and Citroen's post-C3X crossover will be the first vehicles in India to utilize the STLA M platform. Stellantis also considers relaunching Fiat in India, leveraging the platform's advantages, and evaluating its commercial viability.

With three existing plants in India, Stellantis will need to carefully plan production rationalization for the forthcoming STLA M vehicles.