With the return of V8 engines to the company’s lineup in the US, Stellar is trying to solve some of the problems in its European arm, and that could involve a Chinese automaker.
Accordingly BloombergStellantis has held talks with Chinese automakers Xiaomi and Xpeng as part of the company’s efforts to stabilize the French-Italian-American automaker’s European operations.
During the talks, the possibility was raised that Chinese brands could produce vehicles in Europe at Stellantis factories. This would allow these models to bypass the EU’s punitive tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) and absorb some of Stellantis’ excess production capacity.
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Executives also raised the prospect that the Chinese automakers would acquire a stake in Maserati or another European-based brand. Stellantis’ European brands include Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat/Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati.
It is unclear how far the talks with Xiaomi and Xpeng have progressed. In 2023, Volkswagen acquired a small stake (around five percent) in Xpeng when the two companies agreed to jointly develop a range of extended-range electric and EV models for the Chinese market.
When asked about these claims, Stellantis told the business newspaper: “As part of its normal course of business, Stellantis engages in discussions with a number of industry players around the world on various topics, always with the ultimate aim of providing customers with the best mobility options. The company does not comment on speculation.”
A representative for Xpeng declined to comment, while Xiaomi did not respond to requests for comment Bloomberg.
Antonio Filosa, who was previously the head of Stellantis North America, was appointed CEO of the conglomerate in June 2025, focusing primarily on the company’s North American operations.
When the PSA group – parent company of Peugeot, Citroen and Opel/Vauxhall – merged with Fiat Chrysler to form Stellantis in 2021, PSA CEO Carlos Tavares took over the management of the merged company, leading to accusations of a Eurocentric focus and approach towards the 14-brand giant.
Some of its moves in the North American market, including ditching the Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 pickup truck and introducing the latest Charger as its first electric vehicle, have drawn attention and criticism from American automotive enthusiasts.
Since leaving at the end of 2024, Stellantis has backed away from its more ambitious electrification goals, including turning Opel, Vauxhall and Alfa Romeo into pure electric brands.
In addition, the V8 engines were reintroduced in the Ram 1500, the long-delayed electric version of the pickup was abolished, and the Jeep and Chrysler plug-in hybrids were abolished.
