Stellantis abandons ACEA to set up rival focused on mobility

Car maker Stellantis (a merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group) has confirmed its withdrawal from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) to set up a rival forum focused on mobility.

Stellantis controls a large share of the automotive market in Europe so its resignation (which will take affect at the end of 2022) from ACEA is a blow for the lobbying organisation. Some experts expect ACEA’s influence to be diminished as a result. That all depends, however, on how ACEA responds.

In a tweet last week, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares who is renowned for his somewhat controversial views, introduced the Freedom of Mobility Forum, a yearly open congress for public debate on the issues of sustainable mobility. The Forum will launch in early 2023 and will feature a diverse panel of experts.

“The environmental challenges ahead of us coupled with a rapidly evolving business environment require an efficient, global and inclusive 360-degree approach involving all those who wish to contribute to building sustainable mobility,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO.

A spokesperson from ACEA responded by saying: “While Stellantis has been a member of ACEA, we have valued their contribution but they have decided to leave and we respect that. We remain committed to acting as a strong common voice of EU-based car, truck, van and bus makers.

ACEA has also recently announced a change of leadership happening within its organisation.

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