Latest news with #StellantisSA
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Stellantis SA CEO reveals 2026 model and expansion plans
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.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
South Africa: Mandela Bay Business Chamber and Stellantis partner to foster job creation in E.Cape
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, supported by Stellantis are collaborating on the Eastern Cape Youth Empowerment Programme to transform futures in the impoverished Eastern Cape. The programme aims to equip 50 young people with the valuable skills and market access needed to secure sustainable employment in the fast-evolving digital economy. The province faces a massive unemployment challenge, which currently stands at 41.0% - significantly higher than the national rate of 33.5%. It is also home to Stellantis' new assembly plant in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area and will contribute jobs to the province and the automotive industry. Together with key business and financial partners, this new transformative initiative will provide critical opportunities in a sector primed for quality job creation and in need of new skills as the prospect of new energy vehicle production becomes a reality for the industry. 'Education is the biggest contributor to progress, and the more people we can provide education to, the more they will contribute to their lives and their communities,' says Stellantis SA managing director, Mike Whitfield. 'Our greenfields manufacturing facility will be establishing the very jobs these new skills will be trained to fulfil.' Year-long technical training programme Through the SA Youth online platform, 50 young Eastern Cape learners from disadvantaged backgrounds will be identified and selected to undergo a year-long programme focused on providing technical training in ODIN Checkpoint Shop floor Task Management Solutions. This global automation technology is the type used in manufacturing facilities, including Stellantis SA's new plant. The training will be complemented by mentorship and hands-on experience in virtual systems maintenance. The project will further provide the trainees with direct market access, allowing them to engage in various services, including system onboarding, implementation, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures content. Additionally, the Chamber's Entrepreneurship Desk will support the young trainees in developing vital entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to launch their own business ventures and contribute to the economic upliftment of the region. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, a non-profit company representing approximately 700 members from commerce and industry, will play a key role in facilitating the success of this initiative. In addition to Stellantis, the Chamber has partnered with Jendamark, Harambee, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and member companies in the manufacturing industry to deliver the necessary resources and connections to make this project a reality. The initiative will also have a strong focus on entrepreneurial development, with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the area benefiting from the highly skilled youth workforce. Driving meaningful change The chamber has already placed over 100 interns with full stipends in local MSMEs and will continue to provide valuable opportunities for youth in the region. 'We believe in the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change. By equipping our youth with in-demand skills and providing direct market access, we are not only combating unemployment but fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that will last for generations,' said Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO, Denise van Huyssteen. Stellantis SA aims to share its values, knowledge, and resources through philanthropic actions and is rooted in the belief that education is the cornerstone of progress and empowerment. Stellantis Philanthropy is distinct from the company's business operations in that it is purely philanthropic, focusing on creating opportunities and fostering hope. By providing tools for transformation, Stellantis Philanthropy aims to help individuals dream big and achieve lasting change. Stellantis SA is embarking on this effort, with its focus on education, to empower people and to build resilient communities with effects that can extend generations into the future. Additionally, Stellantis' philanthropy vision and strategy are built on the company's core pillars of Value, Care, and Tech. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
