MILAN (Reuters) – Stellantis said on Friday it plans to rejoin the European car lobby ACEA (BIT:), which it had exited in early 2023, in a move that could signal a more cautious stance from the automaker towards its electrification plans.
“Stellantis (NYSE:), Europe’s second largest car manufacturer, confirms its intention to join ACEA,” the group said in a statement.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, commonly known by its French acronym ACEA, has been the industry’s leading lobby group since its founding in 1991, uniting Europe’s car, truck, van and bus manufacturers.
Stellantis had left the group following a decision by former CEO Carlos Tavares.
Tavares, who resigned early this week, recently opposed an ACEA proposal to defer European Union fines on carmakers that fail to meet interim 2025 carbon reduction targets.
ACEA welcomed Stellantis’ application on Saturday.
“Given the unprecedented competitive crisis in Europe and the collective need to meet the challenges of the green transformation, it is more important than ever to stand united,” the report said in a statement.
