By Alberto Alerigi Jr.
SAO PAULO, March 4 (Reuters) – Stellantis (STLA.MI) is considering the production and sale of a hybrid vehicle powered by electricity and ethanol in Brazil by 2025, and plans to launch a new brand in the country this year, the company’s chief operating officer for South America said on Friday.
Antonio Filosa said the company plans to launch 16 new models and seven electric and hybrid models in the region by 2025, in a plan that aims to boost French brands Peugeot and Citroen without losing sight of Fiat and Jeep’s market leadership.
“Ethanol is very relevant in Brazil and less so in other Latin American countries, but it is starting to gain relevance in other countries such as India,” said the executive, underlining that the development of the ethanol hybrid would first focus on the Brazilian market.
“You will know later this year. It starts with an ‘A’, but it is not Alfa Romeo,” the executive said. In Stellantis’ brand portfolio, the only other brand that has the initial letter “A” is Italy’s Abarth.
