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Stellantis France Offers Extended 8-Year Warranty to Rebuild Customer Trust

In a bid to reinforce customer trust and satisfaction, Stellantis France has announced an extended warranty program for vehicles serviced within its official network. The new offer provides coverage of up to 8 years or 160,000 km, marking a significant commitment to long-term reliability and after-sales service.

The initiative comes as Stellantis seeks to reassure customers following several high-profile issues, including the Takata airbag scandal, recurring reliability concerns with the PureTech petrol engines, and problems with BlueHDi diesel units. By extending the warranty, the automaker aims to strengthen brand loyalty and encourage owners to stick with authorized service centers.

Notably, this offer is exclusive to the French market for now, with no confirmation on whether it will be expanded to other regions. However, industry analysts suggest that similar programs could follow elsewhere if the strategy proves successful.

The extended warranty is free of charge but comes with a key requirement: all maintenance must be performed at Stellantis-authorized service centers. This ensures that vehicles are maintained according to manufacturer standards while also securing long-term business for the brand’s official network.

The coverage applies to both passenger and commercial vehicles, encompassing gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric models. Stellantis has also introduced a two-tier warranty system:

Premium brands (Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia) receive additional benefits, including infotainment system coverage, roadside assistance, and a replacement vehicle during repairs.

Mainstream brands (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, etc.) have standard warranty terms, excluding the extra perks offered to premium models.

In its official statement, Stellantis emphasized its “constant quest for excellence and customer satisfaction,” positioning the extended warranty as a testament to its commitment to quality. The move not only incentivizes customers to stay within the brand’s ecosystem but also helps restore confidence after past reliability concerns.

As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and stricter reliability expectations, Stellantis’s extended warranty could set a new benchmark for after-sales service in France—and possibly beyond.

Source: Stellantis

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New Lynk & Co 01 Plug-In Hybrid: More Power, Less Fuel, Smarter Tech

Lynk & Co has introduced an enhanced version of its popular plug-in hybrid SUV, the 01, featuring a refined exterior and interior, new trim levels, expanded color options, and cutting-edge technological upgrades. The latest iteration of the 01 represents a significant step forward in hybrid innovation, blending power, efficiency, and sustainability.

The updated 01 is the result of extensive customer feedback, leading to subtle yet impactful design improvements and a broader color palette. The SUV now boasts a sleeker aesthetic with a gloss black grille, redesigned LED rear lights, and new alloy wheel designs. Buyers can also choose from fresh paint options, including Crystal White, Sparkling Black, and Mineral Green, further enhancing its premium appeal.

Under the bonnet, the new 01 introduces a completely reimagined plug-in hybrid system, delivering 276 hp and 535 Nm of torque for sharper acceleration and more responsive handling. Despite the increased power, efficiency remains a priority, with fuel consumption reduced to just 0.9 L/100 km and CO₂ emissions as low as 20 g/km (WLTP). The electric-only range extends up to 75 km, making it ideal for emission-free daily commutes.

Inside, the 01 offers a state-of-the-art infotainment system powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® 8155 processor, one of the most advanced automotive chips available. Drivers benefit from a high-resolution digital cockpit, a 15.4-inch HD touchscreen, and streamlined steering wheel controls, ensuring intuitive access to all functions while keeping focus on the road.

“The 01 has always been a vehicle that people love to drive. This launch represents a key milestone in our strategic expansion across Europe. With the latest updates, and the introduction of the different specifications and colours, its appeal will reach an even broader range of consumers. As a progressive and vibrant brand, we’re proud to build flexibility into our offerings and to continue to push boundaries within sustainable mobility,” said Nicolas López Appelgren, CEO of Lynk & Co.

For those seeking a dynamic yet sustainable driving experience, the new 01 Plug-In Hybrid presents a compelling choice—bridging the gap between today’s technology and tomorrow’s electrified future.

Source: Lynk & Co

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Ligier JS50: The Tiny Diesel Microcar Defying EU Trends

In a market increasingly dominated by electric vehicles, the French manufacturer Ligier is bucking the trend with the updated JS50 microcar—now available with a surprisingly efficient diesel engine. While most of its competitors focus solely on electrification, the Ligier JS50 offers an alternative for those seeking affordability, practicality, and impressive fuel efficiency.

The renewed JS50 now complies with the Euro 5+ emissions standard, thanks to its new REVO D+ engine—a compact diesel unit displacing less than 500cc. Despite its small size, this powertrain promises remarkable efficiency, with an average consumption of just 3 liters per 100 km and a range exceeding 500 km from its modest 17-liter tank (comparable to a motorcycle’s capacity).

While most microcars in Europe are fully electric—ideal for urban commuting—the diesel JS50 provides an alternative for drivers who prioritize longer range and quick refueling. However, for those who prefer zero-emission mobility, Ligier also offers an electric version, unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, with a 192 km range and a starting price of €15,699.

Staying true to its ultra-compact dimensions (2.95 m long, 1.50 m high, and under 1.5 m wide), the JS50 remains one of the smallest vehicles on the road. Yet, it surprises with a 471-liter trunk, making it one of the most spacious in its category.

Classified as a light quadricycle (L6), the Ligier JS50 can be driven with just an AM license, meaning it’s accessible to 14-year-olds in many European countries. Its speed is limited to 45 km/h, making it a popular choice for teenagers and urban commuters alike.

With a starting price of €14,499, the diesel JS50 undercuts many electric microcars while offering a superior range. For now, Ligier is one of the few brands keeping combustion engines alive in this segment—proving that even in an electrified era, there’s still room for innovation in traditional fuels.

Whether buyers opt for the diesel’s frugality or the electric model’s eco-friendliness, the JS50 remains a compelling option for cost-conscious city dwellers and young drivers alike.

Source: Reuters

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Ligier JS50: The Tiny Diesel Microcar Defying EU Trends

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