Latest news with #Landtrek
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Stellantis' local assembly plans now involve three products
Of the two additional models, one will be a new energy product, while the identity of the third or its market placing wasn't confirmed. Peugeot Landtrek will be joined by two additional products produced locally at the currently under construction plant in the Eastern Cape. Image: Peugeot Stellantis has revised its plans for South Africa by announcing that its under-construction factory in the Coega Industrial Zone in Nelson Mandela Bay will no longer solely build the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie. Making the most Part of a R3-billion investment for the production of 50 000 units annually, the deal, inked with the Department of Trade and Industry two years ago, had only been expected to involve complete knockdown (CKD) kit versions of the Landtrek for the local and export market by 2026. ALSO READ: Subtly updated Peugeot Landtrek debuts with new diesel heart Despite rumours at the time suggesting that Fiat might be another option when the third-generation Strada reverts to being a global model that same year, Stellantis South Africa CEO Mike Whitfield affirmed that the facility would instead be geared for two additional models alongside the Landtrek. Addressing the media at Stellantis' annual Media Connect event at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Wednesday (9 July), Whitfield said changes in the automotive landscape had made sole production of the Landtrek no longer viable if it wanted to fully utilise a factory claimed to produce as many as 90 000 units per year. A total of three Asked about the planned products, Whitfield stated that one would fall under the new energy vehicle category, before declining to comment on the third model. Shown at the event, the C10 by Chinese start-up Leapmotor, which entered into a formal partnership with Stellantis last year, has hinted at a possible third model, although this is purely speculative and unconfirmed for the moment. Whitfield, however, stated that the Landtrek, currently imported from China, will remain the core model once the factory commences assembly, now that the groundwork for the foundation has finished. More later Part of the conglomerate's Dare Forward 2030 campaign, initial reports that the facility would become operational at the end of the year have now seemingly been pushed back, as assembly was expected to start next year. While no details are available at the moment, expectations are that a clearer picture could emerge either before year-end or in early 2026. NOW READ: Stellantis approves R3bn local bakkie production deal from 2026
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Stellantis revises Peugeot Landtrek bakkie plant plans in response to evolving market trends
The earthworks for the Stellantis Kouga manufacturing plant have been completed but the original plan has been adapted. Despite the bleak economic outlook, trade wars, and general gloom currently gripping South Africa, Stellantis is forging ahead with its plans to build a plant in the Kouga region. Speaking at a Stellantis Media Connect event in Johannesburg, CEO of Stellantis South Africa and Managing Director for Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, Mike Whitfield, said the plans have changed slightly, but the earthworks have been completed. Plans changed 'Our original plans have changed slightly as we adapt to the incredible disruption that we're not only seeing in the global market, but the local market as well. 'Previously, the plan was to produce 50 000 Peugeot Landtrek bakkies per year for export into Africa and the Middle East. 'But as we've all seen, the dynamics of the pickup sector have changed significantly, with many new one-ton players entering the local space.' Whitfield pointed to the disruption in the market, especially from Chinese manufacturers. 'Only 34% of vehicles made in this country are sold here. 'We are obviously aware of the big challenge coming from vehicles that are made in India and China, and, indeed, the Chinese share of the market has grown significantly from 0.7% in 2018 to 12.9%. "These are not things you can ignore, and you need to adapt and address that as you go forward." From the original plan of producing only the Landtrek one-ton bakkies, they have now included two more production lines. 'One will be a new energy vehicle, and one I can't say anything about at the moment, but the Landtrek will remain the core product in the factory.'
