Retro gamble
STLA•Stellantis unveiled six new models and nine concept cars at the Paris car show, including an electric revival of Citroen’s 2CV, as it seeks to regain market share in Europe. The automaker is banking on affordable small electric cars and nostalgia to compete with Chinese rivals.
1. Stellantis bets on nostalgia
Among roughly 60 new models unveiled at the Paris car show, Stellantis drew attention with six launches and nine concept cars. Its electric 2CV revival aims to emulate the success of Renault’s retro electric Renault 5. The company is also showing small electric cars with scaled-back technology, betting on affordable models to help fend off Chinese competition as it works to regain lost market share in Europe.
2. Tesla changes feature name
Tesla has been changing the name of its “Full Self Driving” feature to “Tesla Assisted Driving” across Europe. The automaker is seeking European Union approval for the feature, where some regulators have said the original name is misleading. Tesla has not said why it changed the name.
3. Porsche lowers sales target
Porsche said it will lower its breakeven point to annual sales of 200,000 cars, compared with deliveries of just under 280,000 last year. The automaker plans to focus on high-end models such as the 911 sports car as it seeks to boost profits.
