Latest news with #Stellantis'
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Alfa Romeo Stelvio EV delayed to accommodate hybrid
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio may take an extended hiatus in Australia once stock of the existing model is exhausted, given the launch of the next-generation mid-size luxury SUV will reportedly be delayed until late 2026 in Europe. Such a delay would mean the second-generation SUV would be unlikely to arrive here until 2027. Reuters has cited sources saying first European deliveries of the new Stelvio will now not take place until September or October 2026, following the slowdown of electric vehicle (EV) demand globally. The next Stelvio was previously due to make its world debut in Italy later this year, ahead of first European deliveries in the first quarter of 2026. It was set to be offered exclusively with electric power, as part of a previously stated goal of Alfa Romeo's to switch to an EV-only lineup by 2027. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. However, the Italian brand cancelled its plans to become an EV-only brand in January. According to a March report, last month it was set to end production of all-petrol powered versions of both the current Stelvio and its Giulia sedan sister model, including the Quadrifoglio V6 flagships. The report said production will continue for diesel-powered Stelvio and Giulia variants, which haven't been sold in Australia for several years. According to a second Reuters source, Alfa Romeo is now developing a hybrid version of the next Stelvio, which was revealed in leaked images in April. The same source said it will take some time for the hybrid version to be developed, despite the new Stelvio being based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain STLA Large platform, and confirmed the planned 2026 launch of the next-generation Giulia sedan is so far unaffected by the Stelvio's delay. According to Reuters, the rescheduled Stelvio launch could initially slow Alfa Romeo's wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy, which Stellantis presented to the Italian government late last year. Earlier last month, Stellantis' European operations chief said the company was working on an update of the plan. And just last week, Stellantis' North American boss Antonio Filosa was appointed as its new global CEO. A Stellantis spokesperson told Reuters the group's revised plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Alfa Romeo sold just 62,000 vehicles globally in 2024 – well down from the Turin-based automaker's target of 80,000-90,000 sales – including 8865 in the US, which accounts for about 15 per cent of its sales, and just 561 sales in Australia. Last year Alfa Romeo sold just 190 examples of the Giulia in Australia (up 3.3 per cent on 2023), along with 125 Stelvios (down 25 per cent), and their axing would leave the fabled Italian auto brand with only the Tonale small SUV and the upcoming Junior light SUV. The Tonale is a petrol and plug-in hybrid model and while the Junior will be Alfa's first EV, it's expected to be launched here with mild-hybrid power. Based on the same STLA Small (eCMP2) platform as the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 (not sold here), the Junior was planned to be Alfa's final combustion-powered model. At this stage it's unclear which petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains the next-gen Stelvio and Giulia will be available with, but both models will be based on the STLA Large platform featuring an 800V electrical architecture, 'STLA Brain' software system, and STLA SmartCockpit user interface. The new Stelvio will be the first STLA Large-based vehicle to be produced and sold in Europe and, like their predecessors, both the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia will be built at the same Cassino factory halfway between Rome and Naples. No details have been announced about their electric powertrains, but Stellantis has previously confirmed the STLA Large architecture can house batteries with capacities between 85 and 118kWh, and support both single-motor rear-wheel drive and multi-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The first production vehicle based on the STLA Large architecture, the Dodge Charger Daytona, is already available in the US with a number of all-electric drivetrains, including the top-shelf 500kW/850Nm Scat Pack. This has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 3.3 seconds, despite incorporating only a 400V electrical architecture, weighing almost 2650kg and measuring 5.25m long. However, the American muscle car will soon also become available in North America with the Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine from the 2025 Ram 1500, which produces over 400kW in high-output form. It's unclear if this engine could make its way to the next Giulia and Stelvio. The current Giulia was launched in 2015, followed by the closely related Stelvio in 2016, and both models are currently available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque in Ti and Veloce form. The range-topping Quadrifoglio versions pack a 375kW/600 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which propels the BMW M3-rivalling rear-drive sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and the all-wheel drive SUV to 100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Ti, Veloce and Quadrifoglio versions of both models continue to be available in Australia, where a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is no longer available despite continuing in Europe. When reports of petrol Stelvio and Giulia production ending in May emerged in March, an Alfa Romeo Australia spokesperson told CarExpert it was "business as usual" for both mid-size models locally. At the time, the company said it continued to order both Giulia sedans and Stelvio SUVs ex-factory until further notice, and had enough dealer stock available for the rest of this year. Today, Alfa Romeo Australia said Stelvio production is ongoing, and the model is currently being offered with price cuts of more than $10,000 as part of an end-of-financial-year promotion. Following the local launch of facelifted mainstream variants in May 2023 and upgraded Quadrifoglios in December 2023, a series of special-edition versions of both models were released last year, including the Tributo Italiano in February, the Super Sport in May, and the Edizione Carbonio in November. MORE: Everything Alfa Romeo Stelvio Content originally sourced from: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio may take an extended hiatus in Australia once stock of the existing model is exhausted, given the launch of the next-generation mid-size luxury SUV will reportedly be delayed until late 2026 in Europe. Such a delay would mean the second-generation SUV would be unlikely to arrive here until 2027. Reuters has cited sources saying first European deliveries of the new Stelvio will now not take place until September or October 2026, following the slowdown of electric vehicle (EV) demand globally. The next Stelvio was previously due to make its world debut in Italy later this year, ahead of first European deliveries in the first quarter of 2026. It was set to be offered exclusively with electric power, as part of a previously stated goal of Alfa Romeo's to switch to an EV-only lineup by 2027. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. However, the Italian brand cancelled its plans to become an EV-only brand in January. According to a March report, last month it was set to end production of all-petrol powered versions of both the current Stelvio and its Giulia sedan sister model, including the Quadrifoglio V6 flagships. The report said production will continue for diesel-powered Stelvio and Giulia variants, which haven't been sold in Australia for several years. According to a second Reuters source, Alfa Romeo is now developing a hybrid version of the next Stelvio, which was revealed in leaked images in April. The same source said it will take some time for the hybrid version to be developed, despite the new Stelvio being based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain STLA Large platform, and confirmed the planned 2026 launch of the next-generation Giulia sedan is so far unaffected by the Stelvio's delay. According to Reuters, the rescheduled Stelvio launch could initially slow Alfa Romeo's wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy, which Stellantis presented to the Italian government late last year. Earlier last month, Stellantis' European operations chief said the company was working on an update of the plan. And just last week, Stellantis' North American boss Antonio Filosa was appointed as its new global CEO. A Stellantis spokesperson told Reuters the group's revised plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Alfa Romeo sold just 62,000 vehicles globally in 2024 – well down from the Turin-based automaker's target of 80,000-90,000 sales – including 8865 in the US, which accounts for about 15 per cent of its sales, and just 561 sales in Australia. Last year Alfa Romeo sold just 190 examples of the Giulia in Australia (up 3.3 per cent on 2023), along with 125 Stelvios (down 25 per cent), and their axing would leave the fabled Italian auto brand with only the Tonale small SUV and the upcoming Junior light SUV. The Tonale is a petrol and plug-in hybrid model and while the Junior will be Alfa's first EV, it's expected to be launched here with mild-hybrid power. Based on the same STLA Small (eCMP2) platform as the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 (not sold here), the Junior was planned to be Alfa's final combustion-powered model. At this stage it's unclear which petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains the next-gen Stelvio and Giulia will be available with, but both models will be based on the STLA Large platform featuring an 800V electrical architecture, 'STLA Brain' software system, and STLA SmartCockpit user interface. The new Stelvio will be the first STLA Large-based vehicle to be produced and sold in Europe and, like their predecessors, both the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia will be built at the same Cassino factory halfway between Rome and Naples. No details have been announced about their electric powertrains, but Stellantis has previously confirmed the STLA Large architecture can house batteries with capacities between 85 and 118kWh, and support both single-motor rear-wheel drive and multi-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The first production vehicle based on the STLA Large architecture, the Dodge Charger Daytona, is already available in the US with a number of all-electric drivetrains, including the top-shelf 500kW/850Nm Scat Pack. This has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 3.3 seconds, despite incorporating only a 400V electrical architecture, weighing almost 2650kg and measuring 5.25m long. However, the American muscle car will soon also become available in North America with the Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine from the 2025 Ram 1500, which produces over 400kW in high-output form. It's unclear if this engine could make its way to the next Giulia and Stelvio. The current Giulia was launched in 2015, followed by the closely related Stelvio in 2016, and both models are currently available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque in Ti and Veloce form. The range-topping Quadrifoglio versions pack a 375kW/600 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which propels the BMW M3-rivalling rear-drive sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and the all-wheel drive SUV to 100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Ti, Veloce and Quadrifoglio versions of both models continue to be available in Australia, where a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is no longer available despite continuing in Europe. When reports of petrol Stelvio and Giulia production ending in May emerged in March, an Alfa Romeo Australia spokesperson told CarExpert it was "business as usual" for both mid-size models locally. At the time, the company said it continued to order both Giulia sedans and Stelvio SUVs ex-factory until further notice, and had enough dealer stock available for the rest of this year. Today, Alfa Romeo Australia said Stelvio production is ongoing, and the model is currently being offered with price cuts of more than $10,000 as part of an end-of-financial-year promotion. Following the local launch of facelifted mainstream variants in May 2023 and upgraded Quadrifoglios in December 2023, a series of special-edition versions of both models were released last year, including the Tributo Italiano in February, the Super Sport in May, and the Edizione Carbonio in November. MORE: Everything Alfa Romeo Stelvio Content originally sourced from: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio may take an extended hiatus in Australia once stock of the existing model is exhausted, given the launch of the next-generation mid-size luxury SUV will reportedly be delayed until late 2026 in Europe. Such a delay would mean the second-generation SUV would be unlikely to arrive here until 2027. Reuters has cited sources saying first European deliveries of the new Stelvio will now not take place until September or October 2026, following the slowdown of electric vehicle (EV) demand globally. The next Stelvio was previously due to make its world debut in Italy later this year, ahead of first European deliveries in the first quarter of 2026. It was set to be offered exclusively with electric power, as part of a previously stated goal of Alfa Romeo's to switch to an EV-only lineup by 2027. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. However, the Italian brand cancelled its plans to become an EV-only brand in January. According to a March report, last month it was set to end production of all-petrol powered versions of both the current Stelvio and its Giulia sedan sister model, including the Quadrifoglio V6 flagships. The report said production will continue for diesel-powered Stelvio and Giulia variants, which haven't been sold in Australia for several years. According to a second Reuters source, Alfa Romeo is now developing a hybrid version of the next Stelvio, which was revealed in leaked images in April. The same source said it will take some time for the hybrid version to be developed, despite the new Stelvio being based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain STLA Large platform, and confirmed the planned 2026 launch of the next-generation Giulia sedan is so far unaffected by the Stelvio's delay. According to Reuters, the rescheduled Stelvio launch could initially slow Alfa Romeo's wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy, which Stellantis presented to the Italian government late last year. Earlier last month, Stellantis' European operations chief said the company was working on an update of the plan. And just last week, Stellantis' North American boss Antonio Filosa was appointed as its new global CEO. A Stellantis spokesperson told Reuters the group's revised plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Alfa Romeo sold just 62,000 vehicles globally in 2024 – well down from the Turin-based automaker's target of 80,000-90,000 sales – including 8865 in the US, which accounts for about 15 per cent of its sales, and just 561 sales in Australia. Last year Alfa Romeo sold just 190 examples of the Giulia in Australia (up 3.3 per cent on 2023), along with 125 Stelvios (down 25 per cent), and their axing would leave the fabled Italian auto brand with only the Tonale small SUV and the upcoming Junior light SUV. The Tonale is a petrol and plug-in hybrid model and while the Junior will be Alfa's first EV, it's expected to be launched here with mild-hybrid power. Based on the same STLA Small (eCMP2) platform as the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 (not sold here), the Junior was planned to be Alfa's final combustion-powered model. At this stage it's unclear which petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains the next-gen Stelvio and Giulia will be available with, but both models will be based on the STLA Large platform featuring an 800V electrical architecture, 'STLA Brain' software system, and STLA SmartCockpit user interface. The new Stelvio will be the first STLA Large-based vehicle to be produced and sold in Europe and, like their predecessors, both the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia will be built at the same Cassino factory halfway between Rome and Naples. No details have been announced about their electric powertrains, but Stellantis has previously confirmed the STLA Large architecture can house batteries with capacities between 85 and 118kWh, and support both single-motor rear-wheel drive and multi-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The first production vehicle based on the STLA Large architecture, the Dodge Charger Daytona, is already available in the US with a number of all-electric drivetrains, including the top-shelf 500kW/850Nm Scat Pack. This has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 3.3 seconds, despite incorporating only a 400V electrical architecture, weighing almost 2650kg and measuring 5.25m long. However, the American muscle car will soon also become available in North America with the Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine from the 2025 Ram 1500, which produces over 400kW in high-output form. It's unclear if this engine could make its way to the next Giulia and Stelvio. The current Giulia was launched in 2015, followed by the closely related Stelvio in 2016, and both models are currently available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque in Ti and Veloce form. The range-topping Quadrifoglio versions pack a 375kW/600 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which propels the BMW M3-rivalling rear-drive sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and the all-wheel drive SUV to 100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Ti, Veloce and Quadrifoglio versions of both models continue to be available in Australia, where a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is no longer available despite continuing in Europe. When reports of petrol Stelvio and Giulia production ending in May emerged in March, an Alfa Romeo Australia spokesperson told CarExpert it was "business as usual" for both mid-size models locally. At the time, the company said it continued to order both Giulia sedans and Stelvio SUVs ex-factory until further notice, and had enough dealer stock available for the rest of this year. Today, Alfa Romeo Australia said Stelvio production is ongoing, and the model is currently being offered with price cuts of more than $10,000 as part of an end-of-financial-year promotion. Following the local launch of facelifted mainstream variants in May 2023 and upgraded Quadrifoglios in December 2023, a series of special-edition versions of both models were released last year, including the Tributo Italiano in February, the Super Sport in May, and the Edizione Carbonio in November. MORE: Everything Alfa Romeo Stelvio Content originally sourced from: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio may take an extended hiatus in Australia once stock of the existing model is exhausted, given the launch of the next-generation mid-size luxury SUV will reportedly be delayed until late 2026 in Europe. Such a delay would mean the second-generation SUV would be unlikely to arrive here until 2027. Reuters has cited sources saying first European deliveries of the new Stelvio will now not take place until September or October 2026, following the slowdown of electric vehicle (EV) demand globally. The next Stelvio was previously due to make its world debut in Italy later this year, ahead of first European deliveries in the first quarter of 2026. It was set to be offered exclusively with electric power, as part of a previously stated goal of Alfa Romeo's to switch to an EV-only lineup by 2027. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. However, the Italian brand cancelled its plans to become an EV-only brand in January. According to a March report, last month it was set to end production of all-petrol powered versions of both the current Stelvio and its Giulia sedan sister model, including the Quadrifoglio V6 flagships. The report said production will continue for diesel-powered Stelvio and Giulia variants, which haven't been sold in Australia for several years. According to a second Reuters source, Alfa Romeo is now developing a hybrid version of the next Stelvio, which was revealed in leaked images in April. The same source said it will take some time for the hybrid version to be developed, despite the new Stelvio being based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain STLA Large platform, and confirmed the planned 2026 launch of the next-generation Giulia sedan is so far unaffected by the Stelvio's delay. According to Reuters, the rescheduled Stelvio launch could initially slow Alfa Romeo's wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy, which Stellantis presented to the Italian government late last year. Earlier last month, Stellantis' European operations chief said the company was working on an update of the plan. And just last week, Stellantis' North American boss Antonio Filosa was appointed as its new global CEO. A Stellantis spokesperson told Reuters the group's revised plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Alfa Romeo sold just 62,000 vehicles globally in 2024 – well down from the Turin-based automaker's target of 80,000-90,000 sales – including 8865 in the US, which accounts for about 15 per cent of its sales, and just 561 sales in Australia. Last year Alfa Romeo sold just 190 examples of the Giulia in Australia (up 3.3 per cent on 2023), along with 125 Stelvios (down 25 per cent), and their axing would leave the fabled Italian auto brand with only the Tonale small SUV and the upcoming Junior light SUV. The Tonale is a petrol and plug-in hybrid model and while the Junior will be Alfa's first EV, it's expected to be launched here with mild-hybrid power. Based on the same STLA Small (eCMP2) platform as the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 (not sold here), the Junior was planned to be Alfa's final combustion-powered model. At this stage it's unclear which petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains the next-gen Stelvio and Giulia will be available with, but both models will be based on the STLA Large platform featuring an 800V electrical architecture, 'STLA Brain' software system, and STLA SmartCockpit user interface. The new Stelvio will be the first STLA Large-based vehicle to be produced and sold in Europe and, like their predecessors, both the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia will be built at the same Cassino factory halfway between Rome and Naples. No details have been announced about their electric powertrains, but Stellantis has previously confirmed the STLA Large architecture can house batteries with capacities between 85 and 118kWh, and support both single-motor rear-wheel drive and multi-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The first production vehicle based on the STLA Large architecture, the Dodge Charger Daytona, is already available in the US with a number of all-electric drivetrains, including the top-shelf 500kW/850Nm Scat Pack. This has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 3.3 seconds, despite incorporating only a 400V electrical architecture, weighing almost 2650kg and measuring 5.25m long. However, the American muscle car will soon also become available in North America with the Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine from the 2025 Ram 1500, which produces over 400kW in high-output form. It's unclear if this engine could make its way to the next Giulia and Stelvio. The current Giulia was launched in 2015, followed by the closely related Stelvio in 2016, and both models are currently available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque in Ti and Veloce form. The range-topping Quadrifoglio versions pack a 375kW/600 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which propels the BMW M3-rivalling rear-drive sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and the all-wheel drive SUV to 100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Ti, Veloce and Quadrifoglio versions of both models continue to be available in Australia, where a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is no longer available despite continuing in Europe. When reports of petrol Stelvio and Giulia production ending in May emerged in March, an Alfa Romeo Australia spokesperson told CarExpert it was "business as usual" for both mid-size models locally. At the time, the company said it continued to order both Giulia sedans and Stelvio SUVs ex-factory until further notice, and had enough dealer stock available for the rest of this year. Today, Alfa Romeo Australia said Stelvio production is ongoing, and the model is currently being offered with price cuts of more than $10,000 as part of an end-of-financial-year promotion. Following the local launch of facelifted mainstream variants in May 2023 and upgraded Quadrifoglios in December 2023, a series of special-edition versions of both models were released last year, including the Tributo Italiano in February, the Super Sport in May, and the Edizione Carbonio in November. MORE: Everything Alfa Romeo Stelvio Content originally sourced from:
Canberra Times
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Canberra Times
Alfa Romeo Stelvio EV delayed to accommodate hybrid
The same source said it will take some time for the hybrid version to be developed, despite the new Stelvio being based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain STLA Large platform, and confirmed the planned 2026 launch of the next-generation Giulia sedan is so far unaffected by the Stelvio's delay.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Stelvio Setback: Alfa Romeo's Flagship SUV Hits Roadblock
Alfa Romeo didn't have much luck in 2024. The historic Italian marque only sold 8,865 vehicles in the U.S. for the entire year. That lackluster sales figure isn't limited to America alone. Globally, Alfa Romeo sold only 62,000 units – significantly short of the company's target of 80,000 to 90,000 vehicles. Needless to say, the Turin-based automaker needs a newer lineup to sell more automobiles. Yes, it introduced some special edition models earlier this year to entice buyers, but there's no escaping from the fact that its lineup is aging, particularly its most important model, the Stelvio SUV. We say most important because the truth is, the Stelvio was introduced to the lineup in hopes of jacking up Alfa Romeo's sales, just like how the Cayenne saved Porsche before. And it did – the Stelvio was a runaway success when it was introduced, but the reality is this has become an aging nameplate. The Stelvio was shown in 2016, so at this point, the SUV is nearing its tenth year. There were plans for a next-generation model, which was scheduled to be revealed by the end of 2025 for the 2026 model year. However, recent reports reveal that Alfa Romeo has had to delay its launch, not by months but by an entire year. According to Reuters, the delay is due to fluctuating trends in the industry, particularly the dwindling demand for EVs. Alfa Romeo initially planned to produce an all-electric Stelvio atop Stellantis' STLA Large platform, which underpins several models, including the Dodge Charger Daytona EV. However, the automaker's plans have changed, opting to go the hybrid route instead of just full-electric models. The problem is, the development of a hybrid system for the Stelvio isn't as easy as adding an engine like a Lego block. Despite the STLA Large platform having the capacity for a hybrid setup, the integration needs further development, prompting the recent delay. Of note, the target launch for the next Stelvio is now September or October 2026. Thankfully, the delay in the Stelvio's development isn't affecting the next-generation Giulia, which is set for launch also in 2026. However, Alfa's issues with the SUV hinder Stellantis' broader effort to revive Italian automotive production and preserve jobs, a strategy presented to the Italian government in late 2024. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Boxy and rugged returns as Jeep starts teasing all-new Cherokee
Sixth generation moves the STLA platform with a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine options, but seemingly no longer with right-hand-drive. Spied undergoing testing for the first time two months ago, Jeep has disclosed the first official teaser image of the all-new Cherokee ahead of its global unveiling later this year. New everything Set to become the sixth generation, and the first completely new iteration since the infamously panned fifth generation KL went on-sale 11 years ago, the newcomer dispenses with its predecessor's controversial styling for a boxier look and borrowed styling elements from the new Compass. ALSO READ: Next Jeep Cherokee makes debut spy shot appearance More squared off than the KL that rode on the Fiat-developed Compact Wide LWB 4×4 platform, the new Cherokee will reportedly ride on parent company Stellantis' STLA Large foundation and, as confirmed by Jeep, offer fully electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine options. Cherokee it is At the same time, it retains the Cherokee name after a much publicised backlash four years ago by the Cherokee National tribal group over alleged racism against the name first used on the original in 1974. 'The best way to honour us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture and language and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognised tribes on cultural appropriateness,' head of the Cherokee Nationa, Chuck Hoskin, told Car and Driver at the time. The discontinued KL Cherokee received extensive backlash for not being a 'proper' Cherokee throughout its nine year production run. Image: Jeep In a statement shortly after, Jeep stated, 'Our vehicle names have been carefully chosen and nurtured over the years to honour and celebrate Native American people for their nobility, prowess and pride. 'We are, more than ever, committed to a respectful and open dialogue with Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr'. RHD off the table? Reportedly on track to be build at the Toluca Plant in Mexico instead of the Belvidere facility in Illinois where the final KL Cherokee departed from in 2023, the new Cherokee will enter production within the coming months and start arriving at dealership before the end of the year. According to a report by Australia's sales Down Under won't be taking place, suggesting right-hand-drive production has having been ruled-out entirely. The automaker's local arm did, however, approve the new Compass from 2026, which could also be the case for South Africa despite no official confirmation from Stellantis South Africa. As it stands, expect more teasers and an official date of reveal for the new Cherokee to emerge over the coming months. ALSO READ: Jeep boss confirms Cherokee's return in 2025 as a hybrid
Reuters
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Stellantis' newly appointed CEO chooses Europe for first leg of company tour
MILAN, May 29 (Reuters) - Stellantis' ( opens new tab newly appointed CEO Antonio Filosa on Thursday picked Europe to kick off a tour of the automaker's production sites and offices before formally taking up his new job at the end of next month. Filosa's decision to begin his visits on the continent signalled an intention to start building solid relations in Stellantis' number two market after North America, having led the latter since October. Stellantis, the maker of brands including Jeep, Fiat, Peugeot, Chrysler and Opel, has seen its European market share decline over the last two years and also faces regulatory uncertainty as many expect the European Union could slow the shift towards auto electrification. Although Italian by nationality, Filosa, now based in the United States, has hardly ever worked in Italy or Europe. The CEO joined Fiat, now part of Stellantis, in 1999, where he held several roles, predominantly in Latin America. On Thursday morning Filosa was at the historic Italian Mirafiori plant, in Turin, Stellantis said. A source said he was scheduled to meet local management in the afternoon in the northern city which is home to Fiat. The source added that on Wednesday, the day of his official appointment, Filosa had already been in France, in Paris and at the Peugeot facility in Sochaux. Meetings with unions have not been scheduled and he is not expected to make any official appearances in his new role before June 23. Filosa will visit Stellantis' operations in Spain on Friday and is expected to be in Germany on Monday, the source said.
