Source: Stellantis Asia Pacific

February 2026 : A partnership that began as a strategic alliance in 2004 has officially reached a historic milestone. Stellantis and Tata Motors are celebrating 20 years of their 50:50 joint venture, Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited (FIAPL), marking the occasion by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore deeper collaboration.

The heart of this partnership remains the world-class manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra. Over the last two decades, FIAPL has evolved into a powerhouse of Indian automotive production, boasting - 1.37 million+ vehicles produced to date, an annual capacity of 222,000 vehicles, a workforce of 5,000 skilled professionals and production of four Jeep® SUVs and three Tata Motors passenger vehicles.

While the MoU explores broad opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain operations, the industry is buzzing about a potential powertrain swap. Currently, the Jeep Compass and Meridian are limited to diesel options in India. This new agreement could pave the way for Stellantis to utilize Tata Motors’ newly developed 1.5-litre T-GDi petrol engine.

Interestingly, the collaboration flows both ways. Tata Motors recently acquired licensing rights from Stellantis to further develop the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine in-house, allowing for various states of tune. This synergy ensures both brands remain competitive as emission norms and consumer preferences shift.

The new MoU isn't just about the domestic market. The companies aim to leverage Stellantis’ global scale alongside Tata Motors’ localized expertise to explore opportunities in international markets. As FIAPL enters its third decade, the focus shifts toward "shaping the future of mobility together." By sharing costs, platforms, and powertrain technology, these two giants are proving that in a volatile global market, the right partnership is the ultimate engine for growth.

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