Stellantis rejoins ACEA amid EU Zero-Emission transition challenges
Stellantis has announced its intention to rejoin the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), reflecting its commitment to navigating Europe’s evolving mobility landscape amid intensifying zero-emission targets and competitive pressures.
Approved today (11th Dec 2024) by ACEA’s Board, Stellantis’ membership will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Why Stellantis is rejoining the ACEA
The European automotive industry stands at a crossroads, facing intensifying regulatory targets and a rapidly shifting competitive environment.
As the EU pushes for carbon neutrality, automakers grapple with complex challenges, including lagging infrastructure development and rising production costs.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO of Stellantis Europe, underscored the automaker’s readiness to collaborate, saying:
“Stellantis’ commitment to the electrification transition is deep, leveraging our multi-energy technology. We consider ACEA the right forum to engage with peers and stakeholders to build a roadmap supporting the entire value chain.”
By rejoining ACEA, Stellantis seeks to strengthen its role in shaping policy, particularly as discussions around zero-emission mobility intensify.
ACEA’s hydrogen focus – a shared strategic priority
This development comes at a critical time for hydrogen advocates within the European automotive sector.
In September, ACEA published a stark warning about declining [battery] electric vehicle (EV) sales and urged the EU to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
In an open letter, ACEA highlighted several urgent gaps threatening the EU’s decarbonisation goals:
- Infrastructure deficit: Insufficient charging and hydrogen refuelling stations.
- Economic pressures: Rising costs and supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Policy delays: The next CO2 regulation reviews are scheduled too late, in 2026-2027.
Given Stellantis’ existing hydrogen vehicle offerings, both parties share a vested interest in establishing a robust hydrogen ecosystem across Europe.
ACEA warned that without immediate corrective action, automakers could face billions in fines, production cuts, and job losses, further weakening the EU’s automotive supply chain.
Stellantis’ hydrogen vision
Stellantis has been steadily expanding its hydrogen capabilities, with hydrogen fuel cell vans like the Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen already on the market, and the Movano HYDROGEN on its way soon.
The automaker’s long-term strategy includes scaling hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles while exploring hydrogen for larger platforms.
Future plans also include expanding hydrogen availability in key European markets and advancing collaborative fuel cell research.
The company’s membership in ACEA could amplify its push for EU policies that bolster hydrogen infrastructure and investment, aligning with ACEA’s call for regulatory reviews by 2025.
Looking forward
Stellantis’ return to ACEA signals a united front among Europe’s top automakers. Regulatory deadlines are looming and competition is intensifying, so collaborative advocacy through ACEA could prove pivotal.
Expect hydrogen to remain a key pillar of both ACEA and Stellantis’ push for supportive policies, expanded infrastructure, and competitive industry standards critical for the EU’s zero-emission transition.
Who is Stellantis?
If you aren’t familiar with the scale of their operations, Stellantis is the world’s fourth-largest automaker by sales, with manufacturing facilities in 30 countries and a sales presence in more than 130 countries.
Their automotive brands include: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall.
