Stellantis changes strategy: major return of diesel engines to European model lineup

Automotive giant Stellantis, owner of brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel, has announced a significant change in its product strategy for the European market. After a period of intensively promoting electromobility, the conglomerate has decided to reintroduce diesel engines to its sales offering. This decision concerns at least seven models, including vehicles crucial to the market such as the Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra. According to market analyses, this shift is a direct response to consumer expectations and an attempt to protect market share from growing competition from manufacturers in China. Implementation of the new assumptions began at the end of 2025, when diesel versions quietly started returning to dealer price lists. Experts point out that the previous plan, which assumed that electrification would be a one-way street, has been revised by economic reality and infrastructure. The high price of electric vehicles (BEVs) and the loss of subsidies in some European Union countries have led to a clear increase in demand for diesels, which offer long range and lower operating costs on long journeys. The diesel engine, invented by Rudolf Diesel in 1892, dominated Europe for decades due to its high efficiency, but its reputation suffered after the 2015 Dieselgate scandal. The conglomerate's management argues that maintaining combustion engines in the offering allows for greater flexibility during the energy transition. This strategy also aims to optimize production costs and maintain profitability in the face of weakening electric vehicle sales dynamics. Moreover, the reintroduction of diesels concerns not only passenger cars but also commercial vehicles, where diesel powertrains are still considered unbeatable in terms of utility.