Stellantis is pulling out of a joint venture producing hydrogen-powered vehicles with Forvia, a tier-one automotive supplier, and Michelin, the tire manufacturer.
In 2023, Stellantis partnered with the two companies, buying an equal stake of 33.3% in Symbio. At the time, Stellantis — the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and several other European brands — called Symbio “a leader in zero-emission hydrogen mobility.”
Now, the automaker plans to remove itself from the project in 2026. The future of Symbio — which makes hydrogen fuel cells for vans, trucks and buses — looks uncertain in the wake of Stellantis’ departure.
The partnership aimed to boost Symbio’s hydrogen fuel cell development and implementation in the United States and Europe. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are a burgeoning, eco-friendly alternative to internal combustion engines. As with electric vehicles, proponents of hydrogen cell technologies often boast of a lesser environmental impact and fewer harmful emissions than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Stellantis declined to comment in response to Free Press questions about its departure from Symbio. Michelin did not immediately respond to several requests for comment.
In a statement from Forvia, the auto parts manufacturer confirmed that Stellantis intends to leave the partnership.
“Forvia confirms it has been made aware of Stellantis’ intention to stop its investments in hydrogen from 2026, including in Symbio,” the statement read.
Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis pulls out of hydrogen vehicle partnership with Michelin, Forvia
Reporting by Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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