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Stellantis CEO asks EU to support the car sector

In order to protect the automotive industry, the new CEO of Stellantis, a carmaker in Greece, has called on the European Union (EU) to be flexible when it comes to the transition to electric cars. "A strategic dialog is important, but it's now vital to act urgently." Antonio Filosa became CEO of Stellantis in June. On September 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will host executives from the automotive industry to discuss the future. The sector is under threat due to the Chinese competition with electric vehicles, and U.S. Tariffs.

Filosa is the head of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot brands. Chrysler, Jeep and Opel are also part of the group. Filosa has called on the European Commission (EC) to encourage the sale of hybrid cars to reduce the average age of the vehicles on the roads.

In a joint interview, he told Italy's Il Sole 24 Ore as well as France's Les Echos that a European policy encouraging the replacement of older vehicles with new ones and a wider range of powertrains could have a greater effect on global CO2 emission than an annual new car market.

Filosa stated that the Light Commercial Vehicles sector is facing an urgent situation and suggested that the CO2 emission period for this category should be increased to five years, from three.

As he reviewed the brand portfolio, he also tried to dispel speculation that Stellantis might seek a buyer of Maserati.

He said: "I would like to be clear that Maserati was not for sale. We need to know which products we should develop and what long-term strategies to adopt for our iconic brand."

(source: Reuters)