Brussels had given the green light to the merger between PSA and Fiat Chrysler in early 2021, provided that the two manufacturers agreed to produce more vans in Europe for third parties. The only way to prevent Stellantis from occupying too large a place in this market segment with the addition of the Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat brands, estimated the European Commission.
PSA was already manufacturing utility vehicles for its Japanese competitor. Since 2012, it has been assembling Toyota’s Proace at its plant in Hordain (France), then, from 2019, the smaller Proace City at its site in Vigo (Spain). This type of partnership is common in the automotive industry. It allows Stellantis to fill its factories by reducing its production costs. For its part, Toyota can be present on this very profitable market in Europe.
Today, Stellantis is increasing its production for Toyota. After the compact and the medium-sized van, Stellantis will manufacture a large-volume vehicle in two diesel and electric versions. This will be Toyota’s first utility vehicle in this range. From 2024, it will be produced at two Stellantis Group plants: at the former Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland, and at Atessa, Italy, which produces the Fiat Ducato, Stellantis and Toyota said. “Our operational excellence is de facto recognized in this extended agreement,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. With this third major commitment, Stellantis reaffirms its expertise in the utility vehicle segment and its ability to develop electric battery technology designed to meet a range of needs. »
