DS Automobiles Fiat Jeep Lancia Manufacturing Opel Stellantis

Stellantis Show Union Management Its First New Vehicle For Melfi

Will There Be A Future For The Renegade?

Robert S. Miller October 25, 2023

Jeep® Renegade on the assembly line at the Melfi Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

In a bold move towards an electrified future, Stellantis has unveiled plans to introduce five new electrified vehicles (EVs) at its Melfi Assembly Plant in Italy between 2024 and 2026. This manufacturing hub, renowned for producing popular models like the Jeep® Renegade, Jeep Compass, and the Fiat 500X, is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s transition to electric mobility.

Fiat 500X on the assembly line at the Melfi Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

Italian union officials recently had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the first new product scheduled for production at the Melfi plant, which is anticipated to be a new DS model, quite possibly the next-generation DS 4. However, the union was privy to a pilot model, leaving room for potential changes as the vehicle progresses toward production.

The upcoming lineup of electrified vehicles promises to be a game-changer for Stellantis and is expected to encompass a diverse range of models, including the new DS 4, a longer DS 8, a new Opel Manta, a Lancia Gamma, and the next-generation Jeep Compass. These vehicles will be manufactured on the STLA Medium architecture, designed to cater to European and Middle Eastern markets.

Jeep® Compass 4xe at Melfi Assembly Plant. (Jeep).

The DS models are projected to enter production early next year, marking a significant step in Stellantis’ commitment to electrification of its premium brand. Following closely, the new Compass will debut in 2025, demonstrating the company’s dedication to its beloved Jeep brand. Opel and Lancia, on the other hand, are set to follow suit in 2026, solidifying Stellantis’ vision of an electrified future.

However, there is a notable absence from this exciting lineup, leaving many fans of the rugged and beloved Jeep Renegade in suspense. Stellantis has yet to make any official announcements about a new generation of the highly successful Renegade. While the Renegade may not have garnered the immense sales figures seen in the U.S. and Canada, primarily due to the limited number of units available in these markets, it remains a critical player in the global Jeep lineup.

Jeep® Renegade in the metrology lab at the Melfi Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

The Renegade, known for its compact yet adventurous design, has found a dedicated fan base across the world. With its compact size, distinctive styling, and off-road capabilities, the Renegade has carved a niche, offering a unique blend of practicality and adventure that has resonated with consumers. Its absence from Stellantis’ current electrification plans has left many wondering about the model’s fate.

While Stellantis is certainly focusing on electrification, it’s essential to remember that the company’s portfolio is vast and varied. The absence of the Renegade in the initial electrification plans doesn’t necessarily spell the end for this beloved model. Stellantis may consider other options or a separate timeline for the Renegade’s transition to electric power.

Jeep® Renegade in the paint booth at the Melfi Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

For those eagerly anticipating the Renegade’s future, it’s a waiting game, and patience may ultimately be rewarded with a modern, electrified version that continues to embody the spirit of adventure that Jeep has always represented.

Change is the only constant in the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. While the path to electrification seems clear for many, the fate of specific models, like the Jeep Renegade, remains a mystery. As Stellantis electrifies its future, the Renegade’s dedicated fan base can only hope this beloved icon will find its place in the company’s electrified lineup soon.

3 replies

Join the discussion →

Loading new replies...

bill burke Oct 25, 2023 #1

Surprise! I believe a multi brand, multi model electrification facility is a wise decision for Stellantis. No doubt, especially in Europe, electrification has a strong business case. Seems this will be a successful venture. On the other hand there remains a sizable market segment that will demand gas powered options in most brands, even in Europe. The Jeep Avenger might be a perfect example of an all-electric Jeep model that can work. Here in the States, Jeep must continue to build a gas powered Jeep Compass, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Wrangle for decades to come. The market demands it.
The Wagoneer S and Recon might cover the “all electric” mantra for Jeep in the face of government environmental over reach.
Melfi is a sound decision, but this decision must factor in ICE options in its calculus or surrender a majority of its market base to the hysterics of a politically driven agenda gone crazy with power. No surprise here folks.

Reply 1 Like

click to expand...

patfromigh Oct 26, 2023 #2

I can't speak for the Jeep Avenger because I haven't seen any in depth articles for a hybrid variant. There are, on the other hand, videos and articles on the Avenger's platform mate the Fiat 600. I think the hybrid variant of the Fiat would do well here. I suspect battery electric only models will remain a hard sell in the United States, while hybrid models will have waiting lists. The EU market of course is different from ours, and this article deals with Europe. Battery electric vehicles sell better in regions where the charging structure is more abundant, which means Europe and not here.

Before Fiat entered the picture, Chrysler then under a strip and flip outfit, was showing a number of plugin concepts under the ENVI banner. One of them was a Jeep Patriot with a range extended electric power train. That model caught the attention of many people because despite the sophisticated power train, it was a blend of simplicity, utility and practicality. The time is right for such a vehicle. The particular power train in the Jeep Patriot ReEV was obsolete the instant the Chevy Volt hit the market, and the Jeep Patriot itself is no longer relevant. Stellantis has the resources to market a vehicle of the Patriot's dimensions and proportions combined with a three cylinder engine as a plug-in hybrid. The time is now right for such a vehicle.

It is now 15 years after the release of the ENVI concepts. Looking at what they were, some of them made it into production. The Pacifica PHEV certainly has a different power train, but acquits itself with a decent battery only range in a much quicker vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler has a plug-in hybrid option as well. We didn't get the Dodge Circuit sports car, Alfa could help with this. The Chrysler 200 didn't show up as the beautiful hybrid concept, but Toyota was watching and imported their Crown.

TripleT Oct 26, 2023 #3

I can't speak for the Jeep Avenger because I haven't seen any in depth articles for a hybrid variant. There are, on the other hand, videos and articles on the Avenger's platform mate the Fiat 600. I think the hybrid variant of the Fiat would do well here. I suspect battery electric only models will remain a hard sell in the United States, while hybrid models will have waiting lists. The EU market of course is different from ours, and this article deals with Europe. Battery electric vehicles sell better in regions where the charging structure is more abundant, which means Europe and not here.

Before Fiat entered the picture, Chrysler then under a strip and flip outfit, was showing a number of plugin concepts under the ENVI banner. One of them was a Jeep Patriot with a range extended electric power train. That model caught the attention of many people because despite the sophisticated power train, it was a blend of simplicity, utility and practicality. The time is right for such a vehicle. The particular power train in the Jeep Patriot ReEV was obsolete the instant the Chevy Volt hit the market, and the Jeep Patriot itself is no longer relevant. Stellantis has the resources to market a vehicle of the Patriot's dimensions and proportions combined with a three cylinder engine as a plug-in hybrid. The time is now right for such a vehicle.

It is now 15 years after the release of the ENVI concepts. Looking at what they were, some of them made it into production. The Pacifica PHEV certainly has a different power train, but acquits itself with a decent battery only range in a much quicker vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler has a plug-in hybrid option as well. We didn't get the Dodge Circuit sports car, Alfa could help with this. The Chrysler 200 didn't show up as the beautiful hybrid concept, but Toyota was watching and imported their Crown.

I do think the 600 would be a good offering along with the 500 for the few Fiat dealer attached to the CDJR. But is still a bit small for NA.

STLA Mid- will be more attuned to the NA market. What we know for sure is the PSA guys have NO issue like SM running as many of the same vehicles around with Coachwork changes to fill out a product portfolio.

Reply Like

Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →