It is Brussels Car Show time soon, and the major manufacturers are looking back at their results this year on our Belgian market. Also Stellantis…

During the first eleven months of the year, Stellantis confirmed its strong position as a Belgian manufacturer of LEV, low-emission plug-in vehicles, strengthening its position in all relevant market segments.

In the field of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), the star is the New FIAT 500 electric. During the first eleven months of 2022, the New Fiat 500 electric ranks 6th in the total BEV market (all segments combined) as the first general public model after a top 5 made up of Premium brands and the first electric model of the Stellantis group. Did you know that in just two years, the New FIAT 500 Electric has been chosen by more than 100,000 customers in Europe and has won 33 international awards, in nine countries, making it the most awarded FIAT of all time.

Now it’s EV time for Abarth…

The Abarth brand also recently ushered in a whole new era with the launch of the all-electric New Abarth 500e. Combining performance, electric technology, style and powerful sound, the new ‘Scorpione’ turns advanced technology into pure adrenaline and durability into performance. A new online shopping experience will also be launched, with the New Abarth 500e Edizione Scorpionissima and an exclusive pre-booking phase until December 15 will be dedicated to members of the Abarth community only.

As for the Jeep brand, orders have been opened for the new Avenger in our market, the first all-electric Jeep SUV that recently had its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. An important new asset that will certainly help the brand to promote sales of BEV vehicles.

Peugeot shows its claws…

In the pure electric market, PEUGEOT is positioned in second place in the BEV B Hatchback segment, with the 100% electric PEUGEOT e-208. The PEUGEOT e-2008 compact SUV occupies third place in the BEV B SUV segment, demonstrating that it is also very popular with Belgians in the 100% electric version. In 2023, the PEUGEOT 308 range will be completed by the PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW and will strengthen its leading position in the C Segment. As for the 408, it is already available in two plug-in HYBRID versions. in, but PEUGEOT will present a 100% electric version later this year.

A successful entry in the premium market…

As for DS Automobiles, the new DS4 is already on the podium among C-segment sedans. Since 2019, the French luxury brand has presented a 100% electric range, becoming in 2020 the multi-energy brand whose CO2 emissions 2 are the lowest in Europe. The transition is accelerating: from 2024, each new DS Automobiles model will be 100% electric.

DS Automobiles is growing in Belgium in LEV cars much more (+48%) than the Premium market (+33%). In terms of sales, DS Automobiles increased its volume by 47% and one out of two DS is electrified. In October, DS Automobiles launched the new DS 7 and a DS 7 E-Tense 360 4×4 version. The same month, the brand opened orders for the new DS 3.

Opel is back…

The Astra Sports Tourer electric….

Similar sales successes are recorded by Opel. The Opel Corsa is fourth in the B Hatchback segment, and the Opel Mokka-e is second in the BEV B SUV segment. In 2023, the brand’s electrified offer, already extended today with 12 models, will be further enriched with the arrival of the new Opel Astra Electric. In this way, Opel is moving fast towards realizing its promise to become an all-electric brand in Europe by 2028.

Alfa shines with the Tonale Hybrid Q4

Alfa Romeo has also entered the electrified vehicle market with the launch of the new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4. This launch is part of the brand’s overall electrification strategy. The new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 thus becomes the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with CO2 emissions of 26 g/km, more than 80 km of city range in all-electric mode – more than 600 km of total autonomy for long extra-urban journeys – and 280 hp power. Since the opening of orders, the new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 already represents nearly half of sales on the Tonale model, all engines combined.

Citroën’s C5 turns heads…

Citroën’s LEV range is also gaining popularity in the Belgian market thanks to the recent launches of the brand’s flagship, the New C5 X Plug-In Hybrid and the family SUV, the New C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid. In particular, the New C5 X Plug-In Hybrid ranks 1st in the ranking of PHEV sedans in the D segment (mainstream) after only a few months. Note also the success of the Citroën Ami (100% electric), which has confirmed since the beginning of the year its leading position in the segment of light electric quadricycles with the milestone of 1,000 units ordered since its launch in May 2021 largely exceeded. . Last October Ami recorded the second largest month of orders (134 units). And more news to report: orders have been opened for the New ë-C4 X. This new model dares to challenge traditional definitions of compact bodies to offer something innovative and distinctive: a design that combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern look of an SUV, as well as the timeless refinement and space on board of a 4-door. And last but not least, Citroën is positioned as the market leader in terms of ë-LCV BEVs.

More Stellantis news soon… we would like to lay our hands on the C5 X for a test!

Hans Knol ten Bensel