European car rental company SIXT has recently finalized an agreement with automotive manufacturer Stellantis, securing 250,000 vehicles for its fleet. The deal encompasses a variety of Stellantis brands, such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, CitroĂ«n, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, JeepÂź, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, and Maserati. Notably, some of the acquired units will be electric vehicles (EVs), aligning with both companies’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The collaboration comes shortly after SIXT’s decision to phase out Tesla electric vehicles from its fleet, opting for a diverse range of offerings from Stellantis. In a press release on Tuesday, SIXT announced plans to include EVs among the 250,000 units it intends to procure from Stellantis, emphasizing its commitment to addressing environmental concerns.
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Stellantis and SIXT share common sustainability goals, with Stellantis aiming for a 100 percent passenger car battery EV sales mix in Europe by 2030 and 50 percent in the U.S. Concurrently, SIXT is dedicated to significantly decreasing its rental fleet’s carbon footprint, targeting a fleet composition of 70 to 90 percent EVs in Europe by 2030.
SIXT had previously entered into a substantial agreement with BYD in October 2022, securing 100,000 electric vehicles for a fully electrified rental fleet in Europe. The recent move to include Stellantis vehicles reflects a strategic shift after the decision to phase out Tesla EVs due to financial considerations, citing significant losses in the EV rental program in 2023.
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Notably, this decision aligns with a broader industry trend, as demonstrated by Hertz’s recent announcement to sell 20,000 EVs from its fleet, citing high repair costs as a contributing factor. SIXT’s adjustment includes a focus on more cost-effective EV options while excluding Teslas, whose resale values have been impacted by recent price cuts.
The 250,000 units from Stellantis are expected to be delivered over the course of several years, with significant volumes anticipated as early as Q1 2024. SIXT’s Co-CEO, Konstantin Sixt, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, highlighting the addition of Stellantis’ diverse vehicle lineup to SIXT’s fleet and underscoring the company’s commitment to providing customers with a comprehensive range of mobility options.
