The FCA/PSA merger has a name: Stellantis

Stellantis is in fact none of the above, as it is the slightly odd corporate name curiously selected by the motoring giants FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automotive) and PSA for their new joint motor industry conglomerate.

The Italian-French-American automotive combine choose the Stellantis name as the corporate label for its joint vehicle development and manufacturing businesses, to create the world’s fourth largest motor vehicle company (subject to EU approval!).

The new corporate Stellantis name (which should all be written in uppercase letters, but…) is claimed to take its inspiration from the Latin verb ‘stello’, which means ‘to brighten with stars’.

In a joint news release to announce its new Stellantis corporate identification, FCA and PSA state that the name is inspired by "this new and ambitious alignment of storied automotive brands" which are coming together to create one of the ‘new leaders’ of the global automotive industry.

The portfolio of vehicle brand names falling under the new joint Stellantis banner will include FCA’s Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Abarth, Lancia, Dodge, Maserati and RAM, sitting alongside the extensive PSA family of Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall marques.

Each individual car marque will retain its own branding, so don’t expect to see Stellantis branding appearing on a Fiat Panda or Vauxhall Insignia anytime soon. The announcement of Stellantis is an important move towards the completion of the 50/50 FCA/PSA merger which was first announced in late 2019, with both business boards involved in the selection of the name.