MILAN (Reuters) - Stellantis ( STLA ) on Friday said it planned to rejoin European auto lobby ACEA, which it had left at the beginning of 2023, in a move that might flag a more cautious stance for the automaker on its electrification plans.

"Stellantis ( STLA ), Europe's second largest carmaker, confirms that it intends to apply for membership of ACEA," the group said in a statement.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, widely known by its French acronym ACEA, has been the industry's main lobbying group since its creation in 1991, uniting Europe's car, truck, van and bus makers.

Stellantis ( STLA ) had left the group following a decision by its former CEO Carlos Tavares.

Tavares, who resigned early this week, has recently opposed ACEA proposal to delay European Union fines for automakers which would not meet intermediate carbon reduction targets set for 2025.