Stellantis Open to Sourcing Hybrid Powertrains from Partners for India

Stellantis is open to sourcing hybrid powertrains from external partners for India as it examines ways to introduce the technology at competitive prices across its future product range.

Local partnerships, global sourcing and potential imports through free trade agreements are among the options being evaluated, Shailesh Hazela, managing director and CEO of Stellantis India, said in an interview.

“These are solutions which are very costly to develop. And one way to look at it, how we can acquire from other countries using FTA. Second way is to use partnership globally, locally. So every option is being worked out,” Hazela said.

Asked specifically whether Stellantis would consider buying a powertrain from an outside supplier, he said: “It’s an option, which is on the table.”

The approach could allow Stellantis to draw on a partner’s technology and development scale rather than bear the entire cost itself. Hazela did not identify potential suppliers, specify the type of hybrid system under consideration or disclose which model would receive it first.

He said sourcing decisions would be taken product by product, with the company able to use its Indian operations, global capabilities and partnerships.

The hybrid plans form part of a broader strategy to expand powertrain choices across Jeep and Citroen as Stellantis seeks to grow its Indian business.

“India is not just one kind of customer. We have to have option and we will be providing option, including ICE, hybrid, EV and CNG,” Hazela said.

Citroen will lead further development of the company’s CNG offerings. On electric vehicles, the eC3 remains the brand’s immediate focus, while an electric Jeep also forms part of the intended portfolio.

Hazela said India, already a centre of excellence for transmissions, was taking on a larger role in Stellantis’ global powertrain development. The company would use that expertise alongside its international engineering network to develop the additional technologies.

The wider powertrain range will also support compliance with corporate average fuel efficiency requirements. Hazela expressed confidence that the company’s planned product interventions would enable it to meet the norms.

Under Fastlane 2030, Stellantis plans approximately Rs 4,000 crore in additional investment in India, supporting seven new products and five refreshes across Jeep and Citroen by 2030.

The first launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. Stellantis has not disclosed a launch date for its first hybrid or how the different powertrains will be allocated across the two brands.