Stellantis N.V. and Estonia‑based ride‑hailing platform Bolt have announced a partnership that will deploy Stellantis’ autonomous‑driving technology in Bolt’s fleet across Europe, with on‑road trials slated to begin in 2026. The deal will see Stellantis’ AV‑Ready Platforms—specifically the eK0 medium‑size van and the STLA Small platform—integrated into Bolt’s vehicles, allowing the ride‑hailing company to collect real‑world data and refine its autonomous capabilities in urban environments.
The partnership marks Stellantis’ first formal entry into the autonomous‑mobility space and signals a strategic pivot toward mobility services. By leveraging Bolt’s existing network of more than 50,000 drivers and 50+ European markets, Stellantis can accelerate data collection and software validation, positioning itself to offer autonomous services to consumers and commercial operators once regulatory approvals are secured. The move also diversifies Stellantis’ revenue streams beyond traditional combustion, hybrid and electric vehicle sales, a critical step as the automaker seeks to rebound from a sharp decline in profitability.
Stellantis’ financial performance in the past two years underscores the urgency of this shift. The company posted record full‑year 2023 results with €189.5 billion in revenue and €18.6 billion in net profit, but 2024 revenue fell 17% to €156.9 billion and net profit dropped 70% to €5.5 billion. In September 2024, Stellantis revised its 2024 guidance to an adjusted operating income margin of 5.5%–7.0% (down from a prior double‑digit forecast) and industrial free cash flow of –€5 billion to –€10 billion. For 2025, the company now projects positive net revenue growth, mid‑single‑digit AOI margin, and positive industrial free cash flow. The partnership with Bolt is therefore part of a broader strategy to generate new revenue streams and improve profitability as the company navigates a challenging market environment and a CEO transition, with Carlos Tavares having resigned in February 2025 and an interim leadership team in place.
Bolt, which operates ride‑hailing, micromobility and delivery services in more than 50 countries, has set an ambition to deploy 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035. The collaboration gives Bolt access to Stellantis’ proven AV platforms and a partner that can provide the scale and manufacturing expertise needed to bring autonomous vehicles to market. For Stellantis, the partnership offers a ready‑made fleet and customer base to test and refine its autonomous technology, potentially accelerating the company’s entry into the robotaxi market and creating a new source of recurring revenue.
The European autonomous‑vehicle regulatory landscape is evolving, with the EU establishing frameworks for automated vehicles and ongoing efforts to harmonize testing and deployment standards. Stellantis and Bolt have committed to working closely with regulators to ensure compliance and to help shape future rules. The partnership also positions Stellantis against competitors such as NVIDIA, Uber, Foxconn, and Pony.ai, all of which are pursuing autonomous‑mobility initiatives. By aligning with Bolt, Stellantis gains a strategic partner that can help it navigate regulatory hurdles and accelerate market penetration.
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