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Stellantis is exploring the option of sourcing hybrid powertrains from external suppliers to introduce the technology at competitive prices across its future vehicle range in India. The company is evaluating multiple options, including local and global partnerships and imports from other countries through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Shailesh Hazela, Managing Director and CEO of Stellantis India, said developing hybrid technology involves significant costs. Therefore, the company is considering alternatives such as acquiring technology from other countries and collaborating with local and global partners.
Asked whether Stellantis would consider purchasing hybrid powertrains from an external supplier, Hazela said the option was under consideration. However, he did not disclose potential suppliers, the type of hybrid system being evaluated or the model that could receive the technology first.
The company will make sourcing decisions on a product-by-product basis, leveraging its manufacturing and engineering capabilities in India, along with its global network and partnerships.
The hybrid powertrain strategy is part of Stellantis' broader plan to expand its presence in India by offering a wider range of powertrain options across its Jeep and Citroen brands.
According to Hazela, Indian customers have diverse requirements, prompting the company to focus on multiple technologies, including internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Citroen will lead the development of the company CNG offerings. In the electric vehicle segment, the eC3 remains the brand's immediate focus, while an electric Jeep is also planned as part of the company's future portfolio.
Hazela said India is already a centre of excellence for transmissions within Stellantis. The country's role in the company global powertrain development activities is expanding, with its local expertise expected to complement the international engineering network in developing additional technologies.
Expanding the range of powertrain options will also help Stellantis comply with Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations. Hazela expressed confidence that the company's planned product interventions would enable it to meet the required norms.
Under its Fastlane 2030 strategy, Stellantis plans to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore additionally in India. The investment will support the introduction of seven new products and five refreshed models across the Jeep and Citroen brands by 2030.
The company first new product launch under the plan is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. However, Stellantis has not yet announced a timeline for its first hybrid model or specified how the different powertrain technologies will be distributed across its two brands.
