Latest news with #MikeWhitfield
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Stellantis to raise its compact SUV game in SA with Opel Frontera and Citroen Basalt
The Opel Frontera is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Stellantis is planning to launch two new compact SUV products in South Africa in early 2026, bolstering its Opel and Citroen line-ups in a key segment. Speaking at the recent Stellantis Week 2025, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company had a clear vision to grow its presence across the region by consolidating its brands, strengthening its dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with consumers. He said that with more than 60% of South African vehicle buyers spending less than R400,000 on a new vehicle, Stellantis would focus on delivering the right products for the right customers. The Citroen Basalt is a sportier version of the C3 Aircross. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ To that end, the current Indian-built C3 and C3 Aircross models, which are more affordable than their European-built predecessors, will be joined in early 2026 by the sportier C3 Basalt crossover. Opel is also set to launch its new Frontera early next year, he said, although it's unclear whether the German product would compete in the same entry segment. What is a Citroen Basalt? Developed primarily for the Indian and South American markets, the newcomer is essentially a sportier version of the C3 Aircross, featuring coupe-inspired body styling and a lower roofline. The Basalt is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Citroen says it combines the dynamism of a Coupe with the robustness of an SUV, although the performance is not altogether sporty. In India, which will inevitably supply SA's vehicles, the Basalt is offered with two powertrain choices. The manual version features a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine delivering 60kW and 115Nm. The six-speed automatic model has a turbocharged version of that engine, offering 81kW and 205Nm. Opel Frontera to target Duster? Built on the same Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform as the Citroen C3 Basalt and C3 Aircross SUV, and sharing its bodyshell with the latter, the Opel Frontera was designed to compete with affordable SUVs such as the Renault Duster. Built in Slovakia it does appear to be a touch more upmarket than the C3 Aircross, although South African pricing and specifications are not confirmed as yet. Opel Frontera mild hybrid in base form. Image: Supplied In European markets it is sold with a mild hybrid 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, in 74kW and 100kW guises, and a fully electric version is offered to. Its exterior design follows a more rugged interpretation of Opel's 'Pure' design philosophy, and the cabin has a focus on practicality, with a luggage capacity of 460 litres. Inside it differs from its Citroen sibling, with a typically Opel 'Pure Panel' cockpit that combines two 10-inch screens. Future plans and local production These two models will give Stellantis a firmer footing in the compact SUV space, while the recently launched Opel Grandland and upcoming Alfa Romeo Junior will expand its presence in the premium SUV segment. The company recently consolidated its five core brands (Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep and Opel) into 32 'under one roof' dealer operations, while five standalone Alfa Romeo dealerships remain outside of this structure. Stellantis is pressing ahead with its plans to produce the Landtrek one-tonne bakkie at a new facility in Coega in the Eastern Cape, and this will now be joined by two additional models, including a 'new energy vehicle'. Speaking of the revised plan at Stellantis Week recently, Whitfield declined to provide further details on the new locally assembled models, but said an announcement would be made before the end of this quarter. ALSO READ: Stellantis revises South African Landtrek production plans IOL Motoring
The Herald
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Herald
Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year
Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles (EVs) developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used only to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, said Mike Whitfield, MD of Stellantis South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000 (R 316,865) . In Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn (R28.17bn). The two carmakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth largest carmaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification while other Chinese carmakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. 'South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis and we are committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships,' Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No 1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with 1-million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024 it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With more than 60% of the South African market concentrated below the R400,000 price point, Stellantis's Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive line-up in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year
Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles (EVs) developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used only to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, said Mike Whitfield, MD of Stellantis South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000 (R316,865). In Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn (R28.17bn). The two carmakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth largest carmaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification while other Chinese carmakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. 'South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis and we are committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships,' Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No 1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with 1-million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024 it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With more than 60% of the South African market concentrated below the R400,000 price point, Stellantis's Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive line-up in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Citroën Basalt's entry ticket to South Africa approved for 2026
Fastback-styled crossover will become the third Indian-made Citroën sold in South Africa, and also its new flagship above the C3 and C3 Aircross. Basalt has been approved for South Africa in 2026. Image: Citroën India Reported towards the end of last year as being under consideration for South Africa, Citroën parent company, Stellantis, formerly confirmed the arrival of the Basalt at its annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg earlier this year from next year. Fastback flagship Set to become the third Indian assembled and developed model to be sold locally after the C3 and C3 Aircross, the fastback coupe-styled Basalt will make its debut in the early part of the new year, and become the brand's de facto flagship. NOW READ: Dramatic coupe-styled Citroën Basalt finally revealed Based on the same Smart Car platform as its siblings, the Basalt measures 4 352 mm long, 1 756 mm wide and 1 593 mm tall with its wheelbase stretching 2 651 mm. With or without pressure Its boot able to accommodate 470-liters of luggage, the Basalt comes in a choice of three trim levels in India, You, Plus and Max, with propulsion being provided by the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech engine with or without turbocharging. Coupe-styled Basalt will become Citroën South Africa's flagship model. Image: Citroën India In the case of the former, outputs are 60kW/115Nm, while the force-assisted unit develops 81kW/205Nm. Drive is routed to the front wheels only. The standard transmission option is a five-speed manual for the former, with the latter offering either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Spec sheet In terms of specification, and depending on the trim grade, the Basalt can be had with 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, leatherette seats, a 10.2-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger and a six-speaker sound system. Included further are folding electric mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, three USB ports, keyless entry, front and rear armrests, and remote engine start. Interior mirrors that of the C3 Aircross. Image: Citroën India On the safety and driver assistance side, and again depending on the trim level, the Basalt features six airbags, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, Hill Hold Assist and Electronic Stability Control. In total, five mono-tone colours are available in India; Polar White, Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Cosmo Blue and Garnet Red. A dual-tone finish, involving the former and latter hues being contrasted by a black roof, can be had as an option. Stay tuned 'We have a clear vision to grow our presence in South Africa and across the Sub-Saharan region,' Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, said in a statement on Tuesday (22 July). 'This growth is anchored in three pillars: consolidating our brands, strengthening our dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with customers through consistent delivery and innovation'. Priced from Rs 832 000, which amounts to R169 329 when directly converted into rand, more details surrounding the Basalt will likely only emerge closer to year-end or shortly before its market arrival in 2026. ALSO READ: Citroën C3's affordable price tag a sight for sore eyes
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Stellantis to debut Leapmotor's EVs in South Africa this year
Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used purely to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000. In 2023, Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6 billion. The two automakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth-largest automaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification at a time when other Chinese automakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. "South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships," Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country, with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No.1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with one million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024, it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With over 60% of the South African market concentrated below the 400,000 rand ($22,755) price point, Stellantis' Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive lineup in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.>
