Stellantis to use new “Smart Car” platform for 7 budget models, including Citroen C3 and Fiat Panda

Stellantis is deviating from its previous strategy of using its STLA modular architectures for all future production models and introducing a new “Smart Car” platform.

This platform serves as a low-cost alternative and is expected to underpin approximately seven new production models across Stellantis brands. It appears to be similar in size to the STLA Small architecture, and it represents an evolution of the previously used CMP architecture. While it primarily focuses on fully electric models, it is also compatible with internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains.

This new budget architecture is designed to improve the competitiveness of Stellantis against the wave of low-cost Chinese-built electric vehicles (EVs) expected to enter the European market. The seven new models set to use the “Smart Car” platform include:

Citroen e-C3 and its petrol-powered derivative.
Next-generation Fiat Panda crossover supermini, set to arrive in mid-2024.
A stretched version of the platform for Citroen’s upcoming 7-seater B-SUV, related to the next-gen Opel Crossland.
Two other Stellantis brands, likely Opel and Fiat, taking advantage of this budget platform.
Initial production of these models will occur at the Trnava plant in Slovakia, with the possibility of other facilities in Europe or Morocco being added in the future. The “Smart Car” platform reflects Stellantis’ shift in strategy to provide a cost-effective alternative for budget-friendly electric and ICE vehicles in response to the growing market of Chinese-built EVs in Europe.

While specific details about each of these models are not provided in the article, this strategic move is expected to make Stellantis more competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.