Cappellano (Stellantis): 'We support the growth of all our 14 brands. Europe must make courageous choices'
stellantis Group Europe Manager at the Brussels show takes stock of the industry
For Stellantis, 14 brands are not too many, each one has its own specificities and it is precisely on those that we must focus to relaunch. This is the message coming from the Brussels Motor Show: 'We are proud of the group's brands and our products. Each of the brands has its own specific characteristics, which makes them recognisable. So the priority is to work on diversifying each brand even more, strengthening the peculiarities of each one,' said Emanuele Cappellano, chief operating officer of the Enlarged Europe region of Stellantis, in his first meeting with journalists since his appointment last October.
While it is true that the performance of each brand is different and not all equally satisfactory, it is also true that 'some brands are very widespread in Europe and perform well in all countries, others are more tied to a specific country with a strong tradition, heritage and personality. They are all successful, albeit with different coverage in the various segments, and maintaining this is a priority,' Cappellano said, explaining that 'it is important to allow brands to express themselves, reinforce their characteristics and communicate them appropriately'. Asked whether all 14 of the group's brands will continue to be part of the group, Cappellano replied that 'Stellantis has a strategy for each brand, we'll see,' postponing discussion on the issue to the presentation of the new industrial plan, expected in the first half of the year.
With new business plan focus on investments
And it is precisely the new strategic plan that will be an opportunity to 'give more clarity also on the group's investments'. Meanwhile, said Cappellano, 'we can confirm that so far we have been consistent with the Italy Plan' presented in December 2024, 'the product launches in Melfi are a good example of what we are doing'. That said, 'the size and type of investment will also be linked to the choices of the European Union', because these 'affect visibility and we need visibility, because this helps us to be consistent with what we have announced. We also need a clear attitude, a clear way of presenting ourselves, from Europe'.
EU generates uncertainty, courageous decisions now
