The link above is from February 2025 and from a brief look it seems chain cam had already been implemented on some models anyway. There are also timing chain conversion kits available.

So I am unclear whether this represents a major shift or just tinkering with the spec of an existing motor.

I do wonder whether why they would bother to invest anything much in ICE technology given the commitment of the UK to go 100% EV by 2030, and the EU by 2035.

It's the same engine, just adapted to have a chain and not consume as much oil.

They have ten years worth of sales in the EU to pursue, plus an indefinite amount of time in the US (notably Jeep).

I have a Honda brushcutter with a GX 35 four stroke motor that has a wet cambelt, and a plastic camshaft. It revs to 11000 on the rev limiter if you need it. It hasn't had a problem in getting on for 12 years. It runs ordinary 10w-30 supermarket oil How come Stellantis didn't look at this and modify their thinking?

I am not sure an unstressed 36cc, 1.3 bhp motor can sensibly be compared to one with 130 bhp from a component stress and lubrication perspective - albeit with 3 extra cylinders.

Amateur users may use a brush cutter for an hour or so half a dozen times a year. Even professional gardeners likely use one intermittently. 10 hours amateur use equates to a mileage of ~300 miles pa. For professional user - perhaps 3000 miles pa.