PARIS — Stellantis and Renault Group will deal with launching compact and midsize automobiles in 2022, with key fashions that embody the Renault Megane E-Tech Electrical, the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Dacia Jogger.
Others embody the Chinese language-built Citroen C5X, the Maserati Grecale, the Renault Austral (changing the slow-selling Kadjar) and a extensively rumored coupe/crossover primarily based on the compact Peugeot 308, which itself was renewed on the finish of 2021.
One other potential reveal is a brand new Opel Insignia primarily based on Stellantis somewhat than Normal Motors structure, though it could not launch till 2023 or later.
One exception to the compact pattern is a small Jeep, slotting under the Renegade, that might go into manufacturing in Poland in mid-year.
Lately, the 2 teams centered on small vehicles, with new variations of mainstays such because the Renault Clio and Captur, the Dacia Sandero, the Peugeot 208 and 2008, and the Opel Corsa and Mokka.
However now they’re turning to the higher-margin compact and midsize segments. The continued semiconductor scarcity has solely added to their significance, as automakers allocate chips to more-profitable automobiles.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo has made compact automobiles the centerpiece of his revival plan, as he seeks to shift the group’s income stream away from the present 70 p.c that comes from small vehicles.
Stellantis and Renault are additionally sidelining various once-popular nameplates and fashions.
Along with the Kadjar, Renault is halting manufacturing of the Talisman sedan and has pared down the Espace minivan lineup to only two trim ranges. It’s additionally unlikely that the Scenic and Grand Scenic minivans will proceed previous 2022, though de Meo has urged the nameplate might reside on. None of those automobiles has a hybrid drivetrain, that means their emissions weigh on Renault’s fleet common.
Dacia has revamped its lineup to get rid of the Dokker van (Renault will take over the group’s van actions) and Lodgy minivan, whose slot will probably be stuffed by the Jogger.
Stellantis’ two French minicars, the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, may also exit, after the group handed over a three way partnership manufacturing facility at Kolin, Czech Republic, to Toyota. The Citroen C4 SpaceTourer minivan can be leaving the market. As with Renault’s fashions to be discontinued, they’re additionally unhybridized.
Notably, after a flurry of full-electric automobile launches in 2020-21 to satisfy new emissions necessities, the tempo is anticipated to sluggish considerably till 2025, the following step down within the EU’s CO2 targets.
Right here’s what we learn about Renault’s and Stellantis’ 2022 plans:
Renault Megane E-Tech Electrical: This key compact mannequin is barely the model’s second devoted full-electric passenger automobile, after the Zoe (the Twingo EV is a spinoff of the interior combustion mannequin). It should launch within the first quarter of the yr with two energy ranges and two battery capacities.
Renault Austral: The compact Kadjar SUV (a sibling to the Nissan Qashqai) has did not maintain tempo with rivals in certainly one of Europe’s largest segments, so Renault is retiring the nameplate in hopes of a recent begin. The Quashqai itself was overhauled in 2021, so Renault’s timetable to launch the Austral in 2022 appears possible. It includes a new, hybridized powertrain vary.
Dacia Jogger: Renault’s finances model is about to play an even bigger position within the group’s fortunes, and Dacia hopes to once more catch lightning in a bottle with the Jogger, a compact-sized seven-seat crossover primarily based on an prolonged model of the group’s small-car platform.
Citroen C5X: An intriguing midsize fastback sedan with SUV cues that replaces a niche in Citroen’s lineup. It was proven final spring however received’t seem till spring 2022, imported from China. For non-European markets, Citroen will launch the New C3 small crossover; one other potential worldwide debut is a four-door sedan model of the compact Citroen C4 to exchange the C-Elysee.
Alfa Romeo Tonale: An extended-delayed — an official reveal is now set for March — compact SUV that can complement the midsize Stelvio within the model’s lineup. Alfa Romeo, now led by former Peugeot boss Jean-Philippe Imparato, is in restoration mode, and a profitable Tonale launch would set the tone for his management.
Maserati Grecale: One other mannequin hit by a delay, attributed to the semiconductor scarcity, the Grecale will slot under the Levante and compete with the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan.
Peugeot 308 coupe crossover: This unconfirmed however extensively reported mannequin might be referred to as the 4008. The surprisingly strong-selling Renault Arkana (imported from South Korea) has proven the mainstream viability of this physique type, beforehand seen solely on premium automobiles.
Small Jeep: That is anticipated to be constructed on the Stellantis CMP/e-CMP platform, however that structure may have to be modified to just accept four-wheel or all-wheel drive, a Jeep hallmark. It will likely be constructed at Tychy, Poland, by the second half of this yr, forward of small fashions from Fiat and Alfa Romeo anticipated in 2023.
Different rumored reveals embody the following technology Opel Insignia midsize, primarily based on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, and the next-generation Peugeot 3008, already introduced in full-electric kind and set to begin manufacturing in 2023. Renault is prone to present an idea and even pre-production model of the 4ever, a small electrical crossover that might pair with the buzz-generating Renault 5 that’s due by 2024.
One different factor to look at for in 2022 is the Stellantis future product plan, set to be revealed on March 1, which might shed extra mild on fashions from Fiat, Jeep, Lancia and Alfa-Romeo. Fiat and Lancia had been starved of funding and new fashions within the last years of the Fiat Chrysler Vehicles group, and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares must broaden their lineups to achieve the economies of scale and synergies promised to Stellantis traders.