Tag Archives: Stellantis

NEWS

BYD becomes the sixth largest automotive manufacturer in the world, surpassing Ford sales

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For the first time in history, Chinese automotive company BYD has successfully sold more vehicles than Ford.

During the third quarter (July-September), BYD sold 1.13 million vehicles, marking a 38 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

In comparison, Ford sold fewer than 40,000 vehicles during the same period, causing the manufacturer to drop one rank, becoming the seventh largest in the world.

However, for the period from January to September, Ford is still ahead of BYD with total sales of 3.3 million units, slightly more than BYD’s 3.25 million units.

It is not impossible that by the end of the year, BYD’s sales could reach 4 million, surpassing Ford’s total sales for the year 2024.

In addition to BYD, several Chinese automotive companies have also reported sales increases that could be concerning for Japanese, European, and American manufacturers.

For example, during Q3, Geely experienced a sales increase of 14 percent, reaching 820,000 vehicles, surpassing Nissan and trailing behind Honda at ninth place.

China’s third-largest manufacturer, Chery, recorded a 27 percent sales increase to 550,000 units, placing it in twelfth position.

Toyota’s sales, however, decreased by 4 percent to 2.73 million units, although the Japanese giant still leads the chart ahead of the VW Group, which saw a 7 percent decline to 2.17 million vehicles.

While Hyundai Motor Group remains comfortably in third place, it also reported a 3 percent sales decline to 1.77 million units.

In fifth place, Stellantis seems to need to work harder as the sales difference with BYD is only around 10,000 units.

NEWS

Stellantis appoints DHL as logistics partner for regional parts distribution centre

DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Stellantis as its logistic partner to manage the automaker’s regional parts distribution centre located in Malaysia.

The appointment will support Stellantis’ strategy to enhance its presence across Asia Pacific region and solidify Malaysia’s position as a pivotal automotive hub.

The 18,000 square meters warehouse, located within a Malaysian Free Trade Zone, is designed to efficiently distribute parts and provide seamless aftersales support across 20 countries in the India & Asia Pacific region including key markets such as Malaysia.

The hub aims to reduce lead time and enhance parts availability for all Stellantis brands, which include Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, RAM and more.

Olivier Torchet, Head of Parts & Services, India & Asia Pacific, Stellantis said the company is proud to welcome DHL as its logistic partner and that they are pleased to have a globally renowned leader in logistics for warehousing operations.

“DHL’s exceptional level of expertise and reliability in logistics and warehousing aligns seamlessly with our goals for reliable and fast parts distribution, allowing us to provide the highest standards of after-sales support to the region,” he said.

Mario Lorenz, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain Malaysia added, “We are witnessing significant growth and transformation in Malaysia’s automotive industry, now Southeast Asia’s second-largest market.”

“This growth offers DHL a chance to play a critical role in strengthening the supply chain for automakers in the country. With Malaysia’s commitment to the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), a regional hub here gives our customers a competitive cost structure and well-developed infrastructure to reach the other lucrative ASEAN markets,” he said.

DHL Supply Chain Malaysia remains dedicated to drive the future of auto-mobility sector, supporting vehicle manufacturers and component, tire makers and aftermarket providers.

This commitment aligns with DHL’s growth agenda, underscored by a €131 million (RM613 million) investment in Malaysia to expand capacity and develop top talent, ensuring seamless support for customers’ evolving needs and growth ambitions. It forms part of a broader divisional investment strategy in key markets, with DHL Supply Chain’s strategic investments over the past year totaling €1.35 billion (RM6.31 billion) globally.

Malaysia is home to more than 640 major manufacturers in the automotive sector, which covers a wide range of components. The government’s Electric Vehicle (EV) incentives also dovetail with DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, where new energy, including EV transportation, is a key growth area for the company.

NEWS

Stellantis announces new regional parts hub in Malaysia, to be operational in 2025

Stellantis has announced the establishment of a Regional Parts Hub in Malaysia. The new hub is a crucial component of Stellantis’ broader strategy to deepen its localisation efforts and bolster its long-term presence in the India and Asia Pacific region, including Malaysia.

Daniel Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer, Stellantis ASEAN said, “India and Asia Pacific region is the third growth engine for Stellantis, and the Regional Parts Hub is anticipated to become a key asset in our regional supply chain strategy.

“This investment underpins Stellantis’ long-term commitment in strengthening our footprint and growth not just in the region, but more importantly in contributing towards solidifying Malaysia’s position as a regional automotive hub.”

Set to be operational by the first quarter of 2025, the new Regional Parts Hub is designed to meet and cater to the growing demands of around 20 countries in the region, including key markets such as Malaysia.

This hub is also part of Stellantis’ strategy to enhance its aftersales service by reducing downtime and ensuring efficient access and availability of automotive parts and components to dealers and customers.

It will house automotive parts and components of all Stellantis brands including Peugeot, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, RAM, Leapmotor and more.

“The opening of our regional parts warehouse in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in our dedication to customer-centricity as we continue to better serve our customers across the India and Asia Pacific region.

“Strategically located in a Free Trade Zone in Malaysia, this regional warehouse will allow us to improve parts availability, reduce lead time and enhance the overall service efficiency. It will also enable us to respond quickly to the growing needs of our customers while ensuring they receive the highest level of aftersales support,” said Olivier Torchet, Head of Parts & Services, Stellantis India & Asia Pacific.

NEWS

Leapmotor C10 previewed in Malaysia ahead of October launch

As previously reported, Stellantis Malaysia, which handles the brands Peugeot, DS, and Citroen, will introduce the Chinese EV brand Leapmotor to the local market.

The first Leapmotor model to be introduced here is the C10, which has been previewed to the Malaysian media earlier today.

The C10 is a five-seater battery electric SUV measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,825 mm.

As you can see, it features a minimalist design language combined with modern and premium elements, such as horizontal LED light strips at the front and rear, 20-inch wheels, and flush door handles.

The minimalist concept continues inside, where you will find a two-spoke steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip.

However, we were informed that the C10 will not come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is quite a shame.

Additionally, the unit previewed showcases Oeko-Tex silicone leather upholstery, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, seat heating/ventilation, and a panoramic sunroof, to name a few.

On the safety front, the C10 is equipped with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) featuring 16 functions as well as a 360-degree camera.

Specifications for the powertrain in the local market have yet to be revealed, but for the global market, the C10 is driven by a single electric motor on the rear axle, generating 218 PS.

The motor gets its juice from a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of 69.9 kWh, offering a driving range of up to 420 km based on the WLTP cycle.

Details regarding charging remain unknown, but the Leapmotor global website says that the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The official launch of the Leapmotor C10 is expected to take place in October. Pricing is still a hush hush, but it should be in the ballpark of its closest rivals such as the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5.

NEWS

Leapmotor C16 launched in China, boasts a range of up to 1,095 km!

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STELLANTIS-backed Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor has launched its latest product, a mid-size SUV known as the C16.

Exterior-wise, the C16 follows in the footsteps of the automaker’s first global model, the C10, with its full-width headlights and tail lamps, and flush door handles.

However, the new model is slightly larger, measuring 4,915 mm in length (+176 mm), 1,905 mm in width (+ 5mm), and 1,770 mm in height (+90 mm). The wheelbase, which measures in at 2,825 mm, is identical to that of the C10.

Inside, the C16 continues the minimalist design seen in the C10. Right in front of the driver is a 10.25-inch instrument panel, while sitting atop the clean dashboard is a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8925 chip.

Here, the C16 can be distinguished by the 2-2-2 seating configuration. The second row features electrically adjustable captain chairs, which, in addition to having heating and ventilation functions, can recline up to 145 degrees.

Meanwhile, the third-row seats can recline up to 10 degrees and have armrests with a width of 120 mm. Leapmotor claims that the headroom in the final row is 947 mm.

Other niceties include a rear seat entertainment system with a ceiling-mounted 15.6-inch screen, a premium audio system with 21 speakers, dual-zone air conditioning (three zones for higher variants), and a 15W wireless charger.

For safety, the C16 is equipped with the Pilot Intelligent Driving Assistance System, encompassing 30 sensors to achieve level 3 autonomous driving.

Like the C10, the C16 is available in fully electric or range-extender hybrid guises. The EV version is equipped with a 67.7 kWh LFP battery offering a range of up to 520 km.

It also has an electric motor generating 292 PS and 360 Nm, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, the range-extender hybrid version features a combination of a 1.5-litre engine, a 28.4 kWh battery pack, and a rear-axle electric motor with 231 PS and 320 Nm. It has a range of up to 200 km on electric power alone or up to 1,095 km with engine assistance.

In China, the C16 is offered in a total of six variants (three for the EV, three more for the range extender) with prices ranging from 155,800 to 185,800 yuan (RM101,067-RM120,528).

NEWS

Bermaz Auto Alliance ceases operations, Stellantis to take over Peugeot

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Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAA) has announced the cessation of its business operations with effect from 29 February 2024. BAA was appointed to manage the distribution, sales, and aftersales of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia and as the authorised repairer for Citroen and DS models three years ago.

This comes following the decision and announcement on 22 November 2023 by Stellantis N.V to manage its brands in Malaysian market through its own national sales company.

With the cessation of operations, BAA will no longer be able to continue serving the Peugeot customers as intended. In a statement, the company expresses its appreciation towards all customers for the support and confidence in the sales and aftersales service rendered by BAA throughout these years.

BAA has agreed to transfer the contractual Free Service Maintenance (FSM) program to Stellantis N.V in totality and as such, all future FSM will be carried out through Stellantis N.V appointed network.

For the more up-to-date information, it is recommended that the customers to refer to Stellantis N.V or contact their customer support toll-free number at 1800-18-7852 or email to customersupport.my@stellantis.com for clarification on any specific concerns.

NEWS

This is the 2024 Ypsilon, Lancia’s first new car in 13 years!

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Who would have thought this would happen, but here it is, the all-new Lancia. The problem is, this Italian brand has not produced cars for the past 13 years.

Stellantis is determined to keep all 14 of its subsidiary brands under the FCA-PSA merger. This also means Lancia has the opportunity to improve its image.

This new 2024 Ypsilon becomes Lancia’s first electric vehicle (EV), although hybrid and petrol versions are set to follow.

It is built on the shared CMP/eCMP platform with the Peugeot 208/e-208, with different exterior styling. Lancia stated that the design of its front and rear lights is inspired by their iconic rally car. The round rear lights are reminiscent of the Stratos.

There are also ‘Y’ motifs on the front and rear lights. Meanwhile, the wheel arches, side mirrors, and rear pillars are finished in black. The interior of the cabin is quite different from its Peugeot counterpart, but given that we are in 2024, there are still two screens on the dashboard.

There are also several physical buttons for air conditioning control. Lancia has provided wireless charging pads, three USB-C sockets, and connectivity for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Additional features include ambient lighting and a cabin filter.

The Lancia Ypsilon is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with an output of 154hp and 260Nm of torque. Power is supplied by a 51kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 403km.

For charging, the battery can reach 80 percent from 20 percent in just 24 minutes using a DC charger.

What are your thoughts on this Lancia Ypsilon? Are there fans who miss the Lancia brand?

EV, NEWS

Jeep Wagoneer S – brand’s first EV SUV boasts 4 screens, McIntosh sound system

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JEEP has unveiled some initial details and teaser photos of the Wagoneer S, its first global all-electric SUV, which is expected to be launched into the market in the fall of this year.

First up, the Wagoneer S is a mid-size SUV said to have a body size almost identical to the Grand Cherokee.

It is built on Stellantis’ STLA-Large platform and reportedly features a twin-motor setup that’s capable of generating 600 hp, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The battery capacity is unknown at the time of writing, but there are rumors that suggest it could offer a maximum driving range of up to 800 km.

Looking at the interior photos, the Wagoneer S appears to have no less than four screens, including a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display, a display for the front passenger, and another screen specifically for the climate control system.

Not only that, the Wagoneer S will also feature a premium MacIntosh audio system with 19 speakers, a colour-selectable ambient lighting system and a standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

Also visible is the EV’s centre console, which houses the Start/Stop button, a rotary gear selector, and a toggle-style switch that enables drivers to select Sand, Snow, Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes.

NEWS

Stellantis to set up new sales company in Malaysia, takes over Peugeot from Bermaz

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STELLANTIS has announced it will establish a new National Sales Company (NSC) in Malaysia within the first quarter of 2024.

The new NSC will be the official Stellantis entity directing and managing the sale and distribution of the automaker’s vehicles in Malaysia.

The change in business strategy is part of Stellantis’ growth ambitions in the ASEAN region, in line with its electrification plans and the company’s global Dare Forward 2030 strategy.

In conjunction with this strategic change, Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAA), a 55% owned subsidiary of Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz Auto) and the current distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia, will in the meantime continue to work with Stellantis for vehicle sales through its own network.

“We are excited to announce this new business strategy to serve the Malaysian market with more products and services under the new NSC structure. This includes the future introduction of new brands to Malaysia under the Stellantis portfolio,” said Daniel Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer for ASEAN & General Distributors at Stellantis.

Gonzalez also expressed his appreciation for Bermaz Auto, emphasizing its pivotal role in establishing a strong presence for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia in the last three years.

The Malaysia NSC will be led by Jamie Francis Morais, who is the current Head of Aftersales for the ASEAN & General Distributors operations for Stellantis.

Morais is a seasoned professional with 19 years of experience in the automotive industry within esteemed global brands including Toyota, BMW, Nissan and Proton. His extensive leadership background spans across different operations including aftersales, network, customer service, quality, sales and training.

BAA will continue working with Stellantis during this transition period, with both companies remaining steadfast in their commitment to serve Peugeot customers with uninterrupted vehicle service, parts, warranty and aftersales service in Malaysia.

Stellantis’ new direction and strategy for the ASEAN region includes its electrification ambitions, evaluating the potential of the Gurun plant in Kedah as a regional manufacturing hub to manufacture battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for both domestic and export markets in ASEAN, and driving consumer adoption of BEVs in the region.

The automaker is investing over RM2 billion (€400 million) to introduce the STLA Medium platform to the ASEAN region. This modular-by-design platform enables Stellantis to be able to produce multi-energy vehicles (BEV, ICE, MHEV) and local manufacture of cars from Stellantis’ house of brands such as Jeep and Citroën.