logo
Stellantis SA CEO reveals 2026 model and expansion plans

Stellantis SA CEO reveals 2026 model and expansion plans

TimesLIVE10-07-2025
Stellantis SA, the Midrand-based, local subsidiary of the megacorp headquartered in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, used its Media Connect week at Monte Casino, Fourways, to launch the new Opel Grandland and announce a raft of brand-specific future plans.
The world's fifth-largest automaker by global sales volumes looks after a substantial portfolio of 14 iconic brands including Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, DS, Lancia, Maserati and Vauxhall.
The local company, headed by former Nissan SA boss Mike Whitfield, is the merchant of the Opel, Peugeot, Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën and Jeep brands exclusively.
Whitfield took to the podium ahead of his team of brand managers to deliver the health status and future plans of the firm.
Stellantis SA
The CEO confirmed healthy growth for the company in tough trading conditions and commitment to a R3bn project to construct an assembly plant in the Coega special economic zone in Gqeberha.
The plant will be used to build the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie by 2027.
Whitfield says industrialising South Africa is key to the group's leadership plans in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, but he concedes that prevailing market conditions, including the Chinese car onslaught, have shifted trends, expectations and initial production targets.
With the objectives changed, this put into jeopardy the minimum volumes of 50,000 units per annum needed to qualify for benefits under South Africa's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) — an incentive programme in place to stimulate local production.
Solutions and complexities
The experienced CEO says agility is needed, and now there's consideration for adding two other models to build alongside the bakkie at the nascent factory; one being a new energy vehicle and a so-far unidentified nameplate.
Additionally, the company has set up a new department focusing on micro-mobility solutions for electric and conventional two, three and four-wheelers.
The new subsidiary exploring the last-mile travels is headed by former Nissan SA country manager Kabelo Rabotho.
Reducing range complexity forms part of 2026 efficiencies, this while introducing fresher ranges and adding more brands to an already wide scope of products as per Whitfield's confirmation that new energy subsidiary Leapmotor will enter the South African market in 2025.
Leapmotor
Leapmotor is a Chinese electric car start-up founded in 2015. Stellantis, with aims to bolster its fortunes in the global EV arena, formed a joint venture with Leapmotor International, holding a 51% controlling stake, and its Chinese partners 49%.
The majority of Leapmotor products have electric propulsion but some of the models, such as the C10 REEV, are range-extender hybrids fitted with a conventional engine that charges the battery on the move, and promising a driving range of up to 1,150km on a full tank and battery.
Pro One
Whitfield also announced the establishment of the new Pro One brand in 2026. In a nutshell, globally, Stellantis is leveraging its commercial ranges into single units, and where South Africa is concerned French brand Peugeot will lead this charge with the Landtrek bakkie that recently gained updates of a bolder grille and other touches.
Commercial offerings from Fiat and Opel will cease to exist, making way for Peugeot-badged bakkies and panel vans, but how French brand Citroën will be affected by the launch of the new Pro One brand is not yet known.
Citroën
The Stellantis SA entry marque finally revealed the new Hola, a panel van based on the C3 crossover and competing in the flourishing new sector created after the demise of the half-ton bakkie market.
Powered by a 1.2 l engine, it's priced at R250,000. The rest of the C3 and C3 Aircross passenger ranges continue to offer value, with pricing targeted below the R400,000 mark.
Opel
With the launch of the smarter-looking and new Opel Grandland GS at a price of R789,900, the German brand that recently added the sportier Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition will bolster 2026 offerings with the new Frontera, a slightly shorter, more value-orientated SUV positioned below the Grandland range-topper.
Alfa Romeo
The sporting Italian brand that celebrated its 115-year anniversary recently is readying to launch the new Alfa Romeo Junior crossover this quarter.
The sexy new number debuts with a pair of Elettrica (electric) models ranging from 115kW to 206kW. The larger and more established Tonale will gain a new plug-in-hybrid derivative while the Giulia sedan and Stelvio ranges continue as normal.
Jeep
Iconic lifestyle brand Jeep, which launched the rugged Wrangler with a downsized and turbocharged 2.0 l four-cylinder engine early in the year, gains a new, special, South African-made Gladiator bakkie derivative.
The company doesn't share much information on the prospects, but adds that a hairier-chested, V6-powered Wrangler will also join the range, and that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 — the only model that comes fitted with a 6.4 l Hemi V8 engine — is also being considered for introduction to South Africa.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Project Artour bridges literacy and employment gaps in Mpumalanga
Project Artour bridges literacy and employment gaps in Mpumalanga

The Citizen

time19 minutes ago

  • The Citizen

Project Artour bridges literacy and employment gaps in Mpumalanga

Striving for inclusive economic growth, the Masoyi-based Project Artour is making significant strides to empower previously disadvantaged women and youth across Mbombela. The organisation specialises in custom-made women's wear, corporate uniforms, and skills training programmes that equip unemployed women and youth with hands-on fashion production experience. It was established in 2020 and is accredited by the Fibre Processing & Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M Seta). According to the project co-ordinator Sfeziwe Mkhabela, the initiative seeks to bridge literacy gaps and equip participants with marketable, sustainable workplace skills. 'We are addressing the persistent challenges facing emerging markets, such as the growth of SMMEs, illiteracy, unemployment and gender-based violence. This initiative empowers affected individuals to fulfil their dreams,' said Mkhabela. ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga crowned as overall winner of Enactus South Africa 2025 She added that the organisation's strength lies in its 100% black ownership and control. It boasts a team with varied skills and expertise, gained through their own empowerment journeys. Upon completion of the programme, the students are supported with employment opportunities. Some are hired by Project Artour or through partnerships with other clothing producers, while others are equipped with a starter kit and sewing machine to enable them to establish their own businesses. Mkhabela said the project's core strategy relies on public-private partnerships with Setas to implement continuous training and development programmes. This involves a meticulous process of profiling and assessing individuals with no prior skills development and linking them to appropriate employment programmes. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga wins influencers' hearts as Boks thrill in Mbombela Expert service providers offer ongoing educational support. 'Youth unemployment remains a significant hurdle in South Africa. Project Artour acknowledges this and navigates complex sociopolitical landscapes. We firmly believe that with proper assessment, training and placement, a vast majority of the unemployed could perform a wide range of tasks according to prevailing work norms,' she said. Mkhabela added that through these efforts, Project Artour aims to facilitate open labour market competition, placing individuals in available positions and enhancing economic independence. This dedication contributes to Mpumalanga's communities by transforming 'tax users into taxpayers' and fostering self-reliance. 'Beyond facility development, Project Artour is running a vital 'Sponsor a Child' uniform campaign. This initiative aims to equip students with professional attire, crucial for securing employment; ensuring not only a certificate, but the practical means to enter the workforce. The organisation is committed to selecting students who demonstrate strong potential and the ability to meet high-quality standards expected by clients,' said Mkhabela. The project's dedication to empowering women and youth through practical skills and sustainable opportunities is a testament to their commitment to a brighter future for South Africans. Currently, training is hosted at the TVET Mthimba Campus near the Dayizenza Shopping Centre. Individuals and organisations are invited to join in making a meaningful impact in the community.

China urges global consensus on balancing AI development, security
China urges global consensus on balancing AI development, security

eNCA

time2 hours ago

  • eNCA

China urges global consensus on balancing AI development, security

BEIJING - China's Premier Li Qiang warned Saturday that artificial intelligence development must be weighed against the security risks, saying global consensus was urgently needed even as the tech race between Beijing and Washington shows no sign of abating. His remarks came just days after US President Donald Trump unveiled an aggressive low-regulation strategy aimed at cementing US dominance in the fast-moving field, promising to "remove red tape and onerous regulation" that could hinder private sector AI development. Opening the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li emphasised the need for governance and open-source development, announcing the establishment of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. "The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention... How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society," the premier said. He gave no further details about the newly announced organisation, though state media later reported "the preliminary consideration" was that it would be headquartered in Shanghai. The organisation would "promote global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits", state news agency Xinhua reported, without elaborating on its set-up or mechanisms. At a time when AI is being integrated across virtually all industries, its uses have raised major questions, including about the spread of misinformation, its impact on employment and the potential loss of technological control. In a speech at WAIC on Saturday, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Geoffrey Hinton compared the situation to keeping "a very cute tiger cub as a pet". To survive, he said, you need to ensure you can train it not to kill you when it grows up. - Pledge to share AI advances - The enormous strides AI technology has made in recent years have seen it move to the forefront of the US-China rivalry. Premier Li said China would "actively promote" the development of open-source AI, adding Beijing was willing to share advances with other countries, particularly developing ones. "If we engage in technological monopolies, controls and blockage, artificial intelligence will become the preserve of a few countries and a few enterprises," he said. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu warned against "unilateralism and protectionism" at a later meeting. Washington has expanded its efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they can be used to advance Beijing's military systems and erode US tech dominance. Li, in his speech, highlighted "insufficient supply of computing power and chips" as a bottleneck to AI progress. China has made AI a pillar of its plans for technological self-reliance, with the government pledging a raft of measures to boost the sector. In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems despite using less powerful chips. - 'Defining test' - In a video message played at the WAIC opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI governance would be "a defining test of international cooperation". The ceremony saw the French president's AI envoy, Anne Bouverot, underscore "an urgent need" for global action and for the United Nations to play a "leading role". Bouverot called for a framework "that is open, transparent and effective, giving each and everyone an opportunity to have their views taken into account". Li's speech "posed a clear contrast to the Trump administration's 'America First' view on AI" and the US measures announced this week, said WAIC attendee George Chen, a partner at Washington-based policy consultancy The Asia Group. "The world is now clearly divided into at least three camps: the United States and its allies, China (and perhaps many Belt and Road or Global South countries), and the EU -- which prefers regulating AI through legislation, like the EU AI Act," Chen told AFP. At an AI summit in Paris in February, 58 countries including China, France and India -- as well as the European Union and African Union Commission -- called for enhanced coordination on AI governance. But the United States warned against "excessive regulation", and alongside the United Kingdom, refused to sign the summit's appeal for an "open", "inclusive" and "ethical" AI.

Sekhukhune United embarks on major growth journey with land acquisition in Midrand
Sekhukhune United embarks on major growth journey with land acquisition in Midrand

The Citizen

time12 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Sekhukhune United embarks on major growth journey with land acquisition in Midrand

Sekhukhune United Football Club is charting an exciting new chapter in its development, with major investments aimed at elevating its status and competitiveness in South African football. During a strategic partnership unveiling on July 14 at the Southern Sun Rosebank, club chairperson Simon Malatji revealed that Babina Noko has acquired 8ha of land in Midrand. The project, with a projected investment of R30m, is aimed at achieving a level of competitiveness comparable to that of Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, Johannesburg. Also read: Total Football Excellence coach has high hopes for Hollywoodbets Regional League Malatji emphasised the significance of this development, stating: 'The land has existing structures, which are quite huge and are undergoing renovations. In that regard, we are utilising that one, to reduce costs and renovate the building. The estimate suggests, to be competitive like Chiefs, will be around R30m.' As part of its ambitious vision for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, the club also revealed another major development. Last season, Babina Noko showcased gear from Kelme, and the partnership announcement confirmed a three-year sponsorship deal with the leading sports apparel brand. This agreement, presented by Malatji in the presence of a Chinese delegation, including Kelme's chairperson Ke Yongxiang, officially designates Kelme as the club's partner for the next three seasons. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Limpopo MEC, Jerry Maseko, was also present at the ceremony. 'This collaboration promises to enhance sport excellence, promote economic growth, and foster social cohesion.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store