Stellantis’ Chairman Calls for Affordable ‘E Cars’ in Europe

Stellantis’ Chairman Calls for Affordable ‘E Cars’ in Europe​

Elkann Pushes for Kei-Style Small Car Movement​

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann, speaking at the Automotive News Europe conference in Turin, has urged Europe to adopt a class of small, cost‑effective vehicles similar to Japan’s popular “kei cars”—coining the term “e car” as the European equivalent. Kei cars account for approximately 40% of Japan’s auto market and benefit from tax breaks and lower insurance premiums thanks to strict size and engine regulations.

Stellantis' Chairman Calls for Affordable ‘E Cars’ in Europe

Stellantis' Chairman calls for affordable ‘e cars’ in Europe to boost the dwindling supply of cost-effective vehicles.

moparinsiders.com

 

[patfromigh]

Elkann also pointed to Stellantis’ historic Fiat heritage—ranging from the Topolino to the iconic 500 and 600—as proof that affordable small cars can flourish in Europe. He emphasized that Stellantis’ incoming CEO, Antonio Filosa, who has led operations across South America and North America, is well-positioned to guide the company through region‑focused strategies amid evolving political and regulatory environments.

Here we call them neighborhood electric vehicles. Personally I would love to see something like the TRIS pickup sold here. I've seen up close the retirement communities in Florida with the pathways for golf carts and small electrics, the TRIS would be a great ride for such an environment.

I'm all for the kei cars, but all of a sudden, for some reason, there is a huge push against them, especially in the blue regions of the country.

My last point is this. "Elkann also pointed to Stellantis’ incoming CEO, Antonio Filosa ... is well-positioned to guide the company through region‑focused strategies amid evolving political and regulatory environments." What is the region-focused strategy for North America and who decides that? The Fiat 500e should have been a logical step up from a neighborhood EV, larger than a golf cart, fully roadable, weatherproof, and is still small. The Fiat 500 still doesn't sell because it is too expensive. People are unwilling to make the leap from a neighborhood electric to the Fiat because the price gap is too wide.