Stellantis shelves Level 3 AutoDrive program amid costs and low demand
Stellantis puts its Level 3 AutoDrive program on hold, citing high costs and weak demand, while shifting focus to future software and aiMotive.
2025-08-26T14:41:54+03:00
2025-08-26T14:41:54+03:00
2025-08-26T14:41:54+03:00
Stellantis has shelved its first Level 3 driver-assistance program, Reuters reports, citing high costs, technical hurdles, and limited consumer demand. The AutoDrive L3 system, unveiled earlier this year as a core element of Stellantis’ tech strategy, would have allowed hands-free and eyes-off driving under certain conditions.
While the company confirmed that the technology is developed and «ready for deployment,» Stellantis stopped short of calling it canceled. Insiders, however, say the project has been put on ice and is unlikely to launch. Instead, Stellantis will lean on aiMotive, a startup it acquired in 2022, to deliver next-generation AutoDrive systems as part of its STLA ABC platform, which also includes SmartCockpit and STLA Brain.
The decision highlights Stellantis’ struggles with software ambitions. Its partnership with Amazon on SmartCockpit has ended, and the automaker is increasingly relying on suppliers after initially planning to keep software in-house. Analysts warn that ADAS development is «high investment for high risk,» as legacy automakers face mounting costs, talent shortages, and execution challenges.
Financial pressures add to the difficulty: Stellantis shares have dropped more than 40% in the past 12 months. New CEO Antonio Filosa is expected to outline a revised strategy in early 2026, as Stellantis recalibrates its software roadmap amid industry-wide shifts toward cost control and supplier collaboration.
Stellantis AutoDrive,Level 3 driving,ADAS news,Stellantis software,driver-assistance systems
Stellantis puts its Level 3 AutoDrive program on hold, citing high costs and weak demand, while shifting focus to future software and aiMotive.
Michael Powers, Editor
Stellantis has shelved its first Level 3 driver-assistance program, Reuters reports, citing high costs, technical hurdles, and limited consumer demand. The AutoDrive L3 system, unveiled earlier this year as a core element of Stellantis’ tech strategy, would have allowed hands-free and eyes-off driving under certain conditions.
While the company confirmed that the technology is developed and «ready for deployment,» Stellantis stopped short of calling it canceled. Insiders, however, say the project has been put on ice and is unlikely to launch. Instead, Stellantis will lean on aiMotive, a startup it acquired in 2022, to deliver next-generation AutoDrive systems as part of its STLA ABC platform, which also includes SmartCockpit and STLA Brain.
The decision highlights Stellantis’ struggles with software ambitions. Its partnership with Amazon on SmartCockpit has ended, and the automaker is increasingly relying on suppliers after initially planning to keep software in-house. Analysts warn that ADAS development is «high investment for high risk,» as legacy automakers face mounting costs, talent shortages, and execution challenges.
Financial pressures add to the difficulty: Stellantis shares have dropped more than 40% in the past 12 months. New CEO Antonio Filosa is expected to outline a revised strategy in early 2026, as Stellantis recalibrates its software roadmap amid industry-wide shifts toward cost control and supplier collaboration.
