According to Bloomberg, the discussions notably involve a possible stake in Maserati or other brands, as well as access to the group's production capacity. Stellantis confirmed the existence of these contacts, describing them as normal business activities. Neither Xiaomi nor XPeng has issued a statement.

These talks, which have been ongoing for several months, come after the group recorded €22.2 billion in impairments, largely related to the resizing of its electric vehicle strategy. Meanwhile, Stellantis has committed approximately $13 billion in investments in the United States to refresh its lineup. Collaboration with Chinese manufacturers could provide the group with access to advanced electric and software technologies, two areas identified as levers to strengthen European operations.

The possibility of Chinese partners taking a stake in a future European entity of Stellantis has been raised, though no agreement is certain at this stage. A complete split between the European and American activities of the group, formed in 2021 from the merger of FCA and PSA, has been categorically denied by Stellantis.