Gilles Vidal, Stellantis's new European design chief, told Autocar he will sharpen differentiation among the group's European brands so they compete more with external rivals than with each other.
He returned to Stellantis in 2025 after a five‑year stint at Renault, where he oversaw production designs of the Renault 4, Renault 5 and the new Twingo. He previously made his name as Peugeot's chief designer in the 2010s, introducing a new design language and helping bring the i‑Cockpit to market.
Vidal cited the previous‑generation Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and 5008 and the Vauxhall Grandland as examples of distinct models made within one programme, and acknowledged that Stellantis brands share platforms and hardpoints. He said his ambition is to ensure the brands are "not clones" and to reduce internal competition.
Vidal outlined brand directions: Peugeot will emphasise innovation, citing the Polygon concept and Hypersquare steer‑by‑wire while keeping elegant exteriors; Citroën will aim for affordability with modular, airy cabins like the ELO concept. He said DS will remain "French premium", Fiat will build on the Grande Panda approach, and Opel should become "the most creative German brand" with Vauxhall as its UK twin.
This summary is based on coverage by AutoCar.
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