Stellantis Automotive Hub in Goiana has already produced more than 1.4 million cars
Photo: Stellantis / Car Guide
The Stellantis Group will launch 10 models in Brazil in 2024 and invest R$13 billion in the Goiana (PE) factory. Four products are already on the market and another six will be announced in the coming months. Among them is a national hybrid.
The actions are part of the R$32 billion investment that the company will allocate to South America until 2030, of which R$30 billion will go to Brazil and R$2 billion to Argentina.
What is confirmed is the new Peugeot 2008, which will leave Porto Real (RJ) and will be produced at the Stellantis plant in El Palomar, thus becoming the first SUV manufactured by Stellantis in Argentina. With an investment of R$270 million, the new 2008 will consolidate the CMP platform in the unit.
New Peugeot 2008 in Argentine patent registration
Photo: Reproduction/Internet
The four models already confirmed are the launched Fiat Titano, Jeep Compass and Commander 2025. In addition to them, the Citroën Basalt has an upcoming presentation date.
The information was confirmed by the president of Stellantis South America, Emanuele Cappellano, when announcing the group’s new strategic pillars. Called Next Level, the action is divided into six stages:
– Business Acceleration (expansion of products and services, expansion of market leadership and leading role in innovation)
– Customer Experience (excellence in quality of products and services and new technologies for security)
– Operational Excellence (increased synergies and operational efficiency)
– Decarbonization (Biohybrid technology)
– Finance (ensuring business sustainability)
– People (attracting talent).
Of the announced amount, R$13 billion will go to the Goiana Hub (PE), where the brand’s first model with Bio-Hybid technology will come from.
This investment will also result in the expansion of the local supplier base in the coming years. The value chain should have more than 100 suppliers installed in Pernambuco, developing and producing components and solutions for hybrid and electric propulsion.
On the issue of decarbonization, instead of the total electrification of the fleet, the Stellantis Group plans to combine such an initiative with the introduction of Bio-Hybrid technology, which combines flex thermal energy and electrification, in addition to encouraging the use of ethanol.
The Stellantis Group wants to implement technology in four areas: Bio-Hybrid, Bio-Hybrid e-DCT, Bio-Hybrid Pulg-IN and BEV (100% Electric).
“An electric car costs, on average, US$10,000 more than a combustion model. In Brazil, this represents R$55,000. Who is going to hold onto a technology with this price difference? That’s why we have a decarbonization alternative that fits in the pockets of Brazilian families”, said Cappellano.
The Bio-Hybrid platform features a new multifunctional electrical device, which replaces the alternator and starter motor.
This is equipment capable of providing mechanical and electrical energy, which generates additional torque for the vehicle’s thermal engine and electrical energy to charge the additional 12 Volt Lithium-Ion battery, which operates in parallel to the vehicle’s conventional electrical system. The system generates power of up to 3KW.
The Bio-Hybrid e-DCT has an electric motor and a small battery, working like a conventional hybrid. The Bio-Hybrid Plug-In system has a much larger battery that allows it to run without using fuel, as is already the case with the Jeep Compass 4xe.
Bio-Hybrid technologies include three hybrid models of three types (mild, conventional and plug-in), and a 100% electric model. One of the platforms is 100% electric and will be produced in Brazil. The first hybrids with Bio-Hybrid technology will be launched later this year.
Citroën Basalt Vision
Photo: Stellantis / Car Guide
Investment
The R$32 billion forecast for South America by 2023 includes the Bio-Hybrid platforms, new technologies, 40 new models and eight powertrains.
Stellantis will also invest in hiring over 4,000 engineers and in solar energy at its units. Around R$500 million is aimed at the energy autonomy of the Córdoba and El Palomar plants.
Furthermore, the brand has the names of DPaschoal in Brazil and Norauto in Argentina to increase the nationalization of parts distribution.
