Stellantis is preparing to reintroduce diesel variants across Europe, in a step that marks a shift away from the group’s earlier push towards all-electric sales targets.
According to Reuters, the carmaker has started restoring diesel options for at least seven passenger cars and vans from late 2025.
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The move covers vehicles ranging from people carriers to the Peugeot 308 and the DS No. 4 hatchback.
The decision follows slower-than-expected uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe and a relaxation of regional emissions requirements, extending the commercial viability of combustion-engine models, the report said.
Stellantis had earlier projected fully EVs would represent all European sales and half of US sales by 2030, but demand in both regions has not met expectations.
Diesel’s share has fallen sharply from at least 50% in 2015, before the ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal.
Many manufacturers have since withdrawn from offering diesel engine options for cars, and Stellantis now sells only a small range compared with dozens five years ago.
The group has also reinstated internal-combustion offerings in other markets, including the Jeep Cherokee and its V8 “Hemi” engine in the US, and introduced a petrol-hybrid Fiat 500 alongside the electric version last year.
It recently disclosed €22.2bn ($26.32bn) in charges tied to scaling back EV ambitions.
In Europe, where Stellantis sales declined 3.9% in 2025 and 7.3% in 2024, diesel versions of the Opel Astra, Opel Combo van, Peugeot Rifter seven-seat SUV and Citroën Berlingo passenger van are returning.
The company will also continue producing diesel models such as the DS7 SUV and Alfa Romeo’s Tonale and Stelvio SUVs and Giulia sedan.
According to the news agency’s report, diesel also provides a pricing niche against Chinese competitors centred on EVs, with lower purchase costs than fully electric alternatives amid margin pressures across the sector.
Just Auto has reached out to Stellantis for information regarding this report.
