Which European Vehicle Should Stellantis Bring to the U.S. or Rebrand? | Carscoops

      Stellantis has faced difficulties in 2024, beginning the year with excessive inventories and dealing with complaints from US dealers about uncompetitive pricing and a lack of in-demand trims. By mid-2024, the situation deteriorated further, with half-year financial reports showing a significant drop in profits, leading to the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares before 2025.

      With Tavares gone, many Stellantis employees in the US may be hesitant about European imports. However, could the US division benefit from introducing some of the models that Stellantis currently offers only in Europe?

      There is certainly a wide selection available. Some of these vehicles are marketed in the EU through brands familiar to American consumers, such as Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat. Others could potentially be adapted to US preferences, similar to how Dodge rebranded the Italian-built Hornet from the Alfa Tonale, which significantly outperformed the original vehicle. Let’s explore a few potential options.

      Peugeot E-5008

      It's surprising to note that Chrysler currently only offers one model, the aging Pacifica minivan. Forget about the Airflow EV, which was showcased in 2022 but never materialized; Chrysler lacks a compact family SUV to appeal to a market that loves them.

      So why not consider introducing Peugeot's combustion-powered 5008 and electric E-5008, which share the STLA medium platform, or their smaller counterparts, the 3008/E-3008? Additionally, the E-408 crossover sedan could serve as a stylish alternative in the Chrysler or Dodge lineup, potentially competing with the Kia EV6.

      Fiat Grande Panda

      While sales of the electric Fiat 500e have increased in the US, the figures remain minimal. Fiat dealers might find more success with the new Grande Panda, which could attract Mitsubishi Mirage buyers once that discontinued subcompact runs out of stock this summer. The Citroen C3/e-C3 shares the same Small Car platform and is available with both combustion and electric powertrains, but the Fiat offers a more appealing design.

      Opel/Vauxhall Frontera

      The Frontera, also utilizing the Grande Panda’s Small Car platform, features a larger wheelbase extending from 2,540 mm (100 inches) to 2,670 mm (105.1 inches), allowing Opel to provide a third row of seats. If it makes it to the US, we hope it retains the Defender-inspired steel wheels and white roof package.

      DS No.8

      Plans made by Citroen a decade ago to introduce DS to the US ultimately failed; the now-independent brand currently faces challenges in Europe. However, with cars as striking as the new No.8 sedan set to launch in France this summer, it seems like Stellantis in America should consider placing an order, regardless of the badge they might wear when they arrive.

      Jeep Avenger

      This compact Jeep was awarded Car of the Year in Europe in 2023 and is available in combustion, hybrid, and fully electric variants. Some view it as too small and not premium enough for US consumers, and the front-wheel-drive setup on base models (though AWD is available) conflicts with Jeep's brand image in the US.

      That’s unfortunate, as the Avenger has a great look and already sports Jeep branding and design elements. With the electric Mini Cooper's US launch delayed, the Avenger offers a chance for Jeep, and it appears the brand's CEO is interested in pursuing this opportunity.

      Alfa Romeo Junior

      Should the Avenger be ruled out, perhaps Alfa’s equivalent could be introduced? The sub-Tonale Junior might be too small for Alfa’s premium strategy in the US, but it could potentially fit as a Dodge model, introducing the brand's first EV.

      What Should Stellantis Do?

      Which European Stellantis models do you think should be brought to the US, and which US brand would you assign them to? Share your thoughts in the comments; perhaps Stellantis will take note of your opinions, especially if they overlook their financial reports.