Stellantis Giant Reportedly Delays Level 3 Autonomous Car Program Due To Costs And Tech Challenges
JAKARTA The global automotive manufacturer Stellantis, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroatur, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, to Vauxhall, has reportedly suspended its first Level 3 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) program. This decision was taken due to high costs, technological challenges, and doubts about market interest.
The program, which is part of an in-house initiative called AutoDrive, was previously predicted to be the main pillar of the company's strategy. In February, Stellantis even stated that the system was ready to launch, allowing drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel and views from the road under certain conditions to read books or check emails.
However, citing Reuters, Wednesday, August 27, of the three sources familiar with the matter, the program is now frozen and not expected to launch in the near future. A spokesman for Stellantis did not directly confirm the cancellation, but stated that the Level 3 technology introduced in February 2025 had not yet been launched because currently market demand is still limited.
This delay is the latest indication that Stellantis is facing difficulties in realizing its technological ambitions. The company is now increasingly relying on suppliers to develop software that they previously hoped could work on internally.
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For the next step, Stellantis will rely on aiMotive, a technology startup acquired in 2022, to develop its next-generation AutoDrive. In addition, Stellantis has also switched to the Android system for their SmartCockpit infotainment system, after ending its partnership with Amazon.
This shift in strategy also reflects the trend that has occurred in the automotive industry widely. Chief Product Officer Stuart Taylor, at software consulting firm Envorso, said that car manufacturers now realize they can't do it all on their own.
"This is a huge investment for a big risk," Taylor said, commenting on ADAS programs.
The delay in this program has also come amid pressure to cut costs, along with Stellantis' decline in sales in the past year. Shares of companies on the New York stock exchange have fallen more than 40 percent in the last 12 months.