Stellantis, the parent company of major car brands like Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Fiat, has announced plans to produce electric commercial vans at its Mangualde Production Center in Portugal. The move is part of the automaker’s goal to achieve a 40% zero emissions mix by the end of the decade.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares expressed his pride in the company’s plans, saying, “We are proud to announce that Mangualde will enter a new era with the production of large series of battery electric vans in Portugal to provide indispensable solutions for our business customers.” He emphasized the importance of using Mangualde’s manufacturing expertise to build battery electric vehicles, calling it “critical to the continued decarbonization of our fleets.”
The Mangualde plant will produce four different models of electric vans: the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner, Opel Combo-e, and Fiat e-Doblò. The BEV product center in Portugal will make all the models in both light commercial and passenger car versions.
To make the production facility “fit for the future,” Stellantis and 37 partners invested €119 million ($128 million) to upgrade the Mangualde plant. The company plans to modernize and add to the assembly line and body shop, optimize the industrial area, and add a battery assembly line.
Stellantis’ move is a strategic effort to solidify its position as a leader in the European light commercial vehicle market. The production of electric vans at the Mangualde plant is set to begin in early 2025.
“We want to be at the forefront of the electric mobility transition,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Our ambition is to provide our customers with the best possible products, while contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint.”
