Alexandre
January 29, 2024, Stellantis has announced the acquisition of 100 % of its joint venture created in 2018 with Punch Powertrain. This acquisition marks an important milestone for StellantisThis strengthens the company's control over drivetrain technologies, which are essential to the development of its hybrid and electric vehicles.
A strategic acquisition to boost our hybridization drive
Stellantis has taken full control of e-Transmissions, a joint venture specializing in the production of eDCT transmissions, a key technology for the Group's hybrid vehicles. These transmissions are manufactured in Metz, Moselle, and Mirafiori, Italy, and equip light hybrid vehicles (48V) from brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Jeep. but also Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia. With this takeover, Stellantis confirms its focus on hybridization.
The takeover of this joint venture is not insignificant. It responds to major industrial challenges. Carlo Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, was not satisfied with the performance of the joint venture with Punch Powertrain, pointing to slow development, insufficient responsiveness of teams and certain quality problems. This acquisition corrects these shortcomings and boosts production efficiency, particularly at the Metz and Mirafiori plants, which can now produce up to 1.2 million hybrid transmissions a year.
Hybrid technology increasingly deployed
In 2025, Stellantis to market plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models with electric motors of up to 125 hp and a combined output of 195 hp, giving an electric range of 87 km. This hybrid system is claimed to be less expensive than the full-hybrids offered by some competitors, such as Renault, while at the same time offering good fuel economy and a more attractive price for the consumer.
Light hybrids, already adopted by many Stellantis models, account for up to 85 % of sales of the Peugeot 3008 SUV. This rate should also be confirmed with future models such as the Citroën C3 Aircross, which will see almost 50 % of its deliveries in hybrid version. Models such as the Alfa Romeo Junior and the new Fiat Grande Panda are also equipped with them.
With starting prices lower than those of all-electric vehicles, hybrids appear to be an intermediate solution and an economical choice for European consumers.
Hybrid at the heart of Stellantis strategy
This acquisition of Punch Powertrain sends out a strong message: the Group is banking heavily on hybridization - in particular mild hybridization with the 1.2l engine and plug-in hybrid with the 1.6l engine - for the future of its vehicles, at a time when the market for 100 % electric cars has not gained the desired momentum in recent years.