Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) is testing a new diesel-hybrid powertrain for its large commercial vehicles in Europe, according to Italian metalworkers’ union UILM, following a meeting with the automotive group on Monday.
The new propulsion system is being developed at Stellantis’ Pratola Serra engine manufacturing facility in Avellino, Italy, and is intended to supply the group’s commercial vehicle production plant in Atessa.
A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the diesel-hybrid technology remains in the testing phase and that no timetable has been established for its commercial introduction.
The company expects the powertrain to become available on the next generation of large commercial vans manufactured at Atessa, where Stellantis has announced planned investments of €1 billion.
Pratola Serra Plant to Develop New Diesel-Hybrid Engine
The Pratola Serra manufacturing facility in southern Italy has been identified as the development site for the new diesel-hybrid propulsion system.
The project will involve work on a powertrain intended for use in Stellantis’ large commercial vehicles sold across European markets.
According to UILM, the engine developed at Pratola Serra will supply the Atessa production facility, which manufactures commercial vehicles for several Stellantis brands.
The announcement indicates that the group is evaluating diesel-hybrid technology as a potential powertrain option for its future van models.
Stellantis has not disclosed technical specifications, expected fuel consumption figures or production capacity for the proposed engine.
Commercial Launch Date Has Not Been Confirmed
A Stellantis spokesperson said the new diesel-hybrid powertrain is currently undergoing testing.
The company has not established a date for the technology’s introduction to the market.
Stellantis expects the engine to be offered on its next generation of large commercial vans produced at the Atessa facility.
The project remains at the testing stage, and the company has not confirmed when series production of vehicles equipped with the new system might begin.
Further information about the powertrain’s technical configuration and commercial availability has not been provided.
Atessa Plant Included in €1 Billion Investment Programme
The planned diesel-hybrid powertrain is associated with Stellantis’ next generation of commercial vehicles manufactured at Atessa.
The company has previously announced investments of €1 billion relating to future van production at the Italian facility.
Atessa manufactures large commercial vehicles sold under several Stellantis brands, including the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper.
These models form part of the group’s European commercial vehicle portfolio.
The development of the new powertrain at Pratola Serra would establish a supply relationship between the two Italian manufacturing sites for the next generation of vehicles.
The company has not specified how much of the announced investment programme will be allocated directly to diesel-hybrid technology.
UILM Reports Expected Reduction in Workforce Support Measures
UILM also provided an update on the use of employment support measures across Stellantis’ Italian manufacturing operations.
According to the union, the use of social safety-net arrangements at the group’s Italian plants is expected to be 30% lower in 2026 compared with 2025.
These arrangements provide support to employees during periods of reduced working activity or temporary production interruptions.
The union did not provide individual plant-level figures in the supplied statement.
The reported reduction relates to Stellantis’ Italian manufacturing operations as a whole rather than specifically to the Pratola Serra or Atessa facilities.
About Stellantis
Stellantis (BIT:STLAM) is a multinational automotive manufacturer producing passenger cars and commercial vehicles under a portfolio of international brands.
Its European commercial vehicle operations include models marketed as the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper.
The group operates manufacturing facilities across Italy, including the Pratola Serra engine plant and the Atessa commercial vehicle production site.
Stellantis is developing new propulsion technologies for its vehicle portfolio, including the diesel-hybrid system currently undergoing testing for future large commercial vans.