Stellantis Faces STLA Small Platform Issues Potentially Delaying Peugeot Opel and Alfa Romeo Models

Stellantis is currently navigating a critical transitional phase marked by significant structural changes and product delays. The company, which is transitioning from its previous leadership under CEO Carlos Tavares to the new helm of Antonio Filosa by June 2025, faces several challenges in its product lineup and market strategy.

Delays in STLA Small Platform

The STLA Small platform, aimed at the next generation of city and compact cars, is experiencing considerable issues. The first model to be developed on this platform, the Peugeot 208, is now expected to debut in the summer of 2027, rather than the previously announced spring. Similarly, the Opel Corsa is projected for early 2028 release, while the redesigned Peugeot 2008 will only launch in May of that year.

Reasons for the Setbacks

• Delays stem from internal issues arising during the Tavares era.
• Development of the STLA Small platform will halt between September 2024 and March 2025.
• Adaptations are necessary as the market moves away from solely electric vehicles.

The original vision for the STLA Small platform included a highly efficient, fully electric vehicle. However, analysts believe it no longer aligns with Stellantis’s current ambitions. As the European market shows reluctance towards all-electric options, Stellantis must integrate thermal and hybrid powertrains into the architecture, increasing development time by two years.

Impact on Upcoming Models

These complications affect more than just Peugeot models. New models from Alfa Romeo and Opel, produced at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy, are now at risk of further delays. Originally slated for production in 2028, their timelines are uncertain amid these setbacks.

• Alfa Romeo Junior (966) – Launch in 2024 at Tychy plant
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio (A5U) – Rescheduled to 2025 at Cassino plant
• Alfa Romeo Giulia (A5S) – Delay to 2026 at Cassino plant
• Alfa Romeo (A4U) – Set for 2027 at Melfi plant
• Alfa Romeo E-SUV (A6U) – Canceled originally slated for 2028
• Alfa Romeo (A2X) – New timeline of 2029 at Pomigliano

Future Considerations

The shifting timelines and strategic adjustments now in play reflect broader uncertainties and market dynamics. Regulatory doubts in the European Union and the newly imposed strategic changes from Antonio Filosa create additional pressure on Stellantis’s production schedules. These factors will likely delay the ambitious electrification plans that were initially set under the previous leadership.

As Stellantis works to realign its strategies and address the evolving marketplace, it remains to be seen how these delays will ultimately impact their position within the competitive automotive landscape.