đź•‘3 min read
Stellantis has agreed to sell its entire ownership stake in the Free2move car-sharing business to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, marking another step in the automaker’s effort to simplify its operations and concentrate resources on its core vehicle business.
The companies announced the agreement Wednesday, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2026. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals, employee consultation requirements, and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
A More Focused Stellantis
The sale is connected to Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, which calls for a more disciplined approach to where the company invests its money and resources.
In practical terms, Stellantis wants to direct more attention toward the brands, markets, vehicle programs, and technologies it believes can produce the strongest long-term returns. Selling the Free2move car-sharing operation allows the automaker to step away from directly managing another mobility service while focusing more heavily on its traditional automotive operations.
Free2move has grown into a geographically diverse mobility platform offering short- and long-term car-sharing services. Customers can locate, reserve, and access vehicles around the clock through the company’s mobile application.
The operation currently maintains fleets across 14 cities in Europe and the U.S.
“By sharpening our focus on core automotive activities, we strengthen our capacity to deliver long-term performance,” commented Virgilio Cerutti, Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Stellantis. “We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to support a smooth transition process for customers, partners, and employees.”
Free2Move Jeep® Renegade Limited Car-Sharing Vehicle in Columbus, Ohio. (Free2Move).
Mutares Expands Into Mobility
For Mutares, the acquisition creates a new operating platform in the mobility sector. The company intends to separate the car-sharing operation from Stellantis and manage it as an independent business.
Its plans include improving the management of Free2move’s international vehicle fleet, continuing the transition toward battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and placing greater emphasis on customer service and the urban transportation needs of municipalities.
Operating independently could also give Free2move more flexibility, dedicated investment, and the ability to make decisions without competing against Stellantis’ larger vehicle programs for resources.
“Free2move’s car-sharing business combines a strong, internationally recognized brand with clear potential for operational improvement following an intended carve-out from Stellantis,” commented Johannes Laumann, CIO of Mutares, adding: “Together with the management team, we look forward to strengthening Free2move’s operating model and further developing the company into an independent leading platform in the mobility sector.”
What Happens Next
Free2move will remain under Stellantis ownership until the transaction is completed. Both companies plan to work with employees, customers, business partners, regulators, and employee representative groups throughout the transition.
The agreement does not mean Free2move is shutting down. Instead, the car-sharing operation is expected to continue under Mutares with a more independent structure and a renewed focus on improving its performance in the competitive urban mobility market.
Robert S. Miller