Stellantis is leaning toward expanding production of its popular Peugeot e-208 full-electric small hatchback in Spain despite pressure from the French government to add output in France, according to people familiar with the situation.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire wants Stellantis to make the compact model locally and has been discussing the matter with CEO Carlos Tavares, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing the private nature of the talks.
Stellantis currently builds the e-208 in Trnava, Slovakia, and is now mulling an expansion of its plant in Zaragoza, northeastern Spain, where it already makes small cars including the Opel Corsa, the people said. A final decision hasn’t been made.
Non-electric versions of the 208 are also built in Kenitra, Morocco, where Stellantis has recently invested hundreds of millions of euros to expand production.