Stellantis brings back diesel models in Europe

The automotive group Stellantis, which owns brands from Fiat to Jeep, began reintroducing diesel versions of at least seven passenger and commercial models to the European market from the end of 2025.

What is known

Stellantis is bringing back diesel versions of the Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, DS No. 4, Opel Combo, Peugeot Rifter, Citroën Berlingo, and other models. The production of diesel DS7, Alfa Romeo Tonale, Stelvio, and Giulia will also continue. This was reported by Reuters, citing company information.

The company confirmed that it decided to keep diesel engines in its range and, in some cases, to expand the choice of powertrains. The change in strategy comes against the backdrop of weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales. An additional factor was the easing of climate goals in Europe, allowing internal combustion engines to remain on the market for longer. In the USA — Stellantis' key market — there is also a retreat from the previous active support for electric vehicles.

If in 2015 diesel models accounted for at least 50% of the new car market in Europe, after the "diesel" scandal, its share sharply decreased. According to ACEA data, in 2025 diesel cars accounted for only 7.7% of sales, while fully electric models took up 19.5%. Many automakers have completely abandoned diesel engines, and Stellantis has reduced the number of diesel models.

However, the diesel car segment remains less competitive from Chinese manufacturers specializing in electric vehicles. Moreover, diesel versions are usually cheaper than fully electric ones, giving them a price advantage.

Last week, Stellantis announced write-downs totaling 22.2 billion euros as part of its electric vehicle strategy review. The company's shares fell to the lowest level since the group's creation in 2021. Previously, Stellantis planned to bring the share of fully electric models to 100% of sales in Europe and 50% in the USA by 2030.

Source: Reuters