Postponement of model launches at Stellantis Europe
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Postponement of model launches at Stellantis Europe
In an effort to cut costs, the Stellantis group has decided to postpone the European launch of several new models previously included in its "FaSTLAne 2030" plan.
1. B-segment hatchbacks (code H = hatchback):
- The launch of the new Peugeot e-208 (P1H) has been pushed back from autumn 2026 to autumn 2027.
- The launch of the new Opel e-Corsa (O1H) has been pushed back from spring 2027 to spring 2028.
2. C-segment hatchbacks/wagons (code H = hatchback, W = wagon/estate):
- The launch of the new Peugeot 408 (P3U) has been pushed back from summer 2028 to summer 2029.
- The launch of the new Peugeot 308 (P2H/P2W) has been pushed back from 2029 to 2030.
- The launch of the new Opel Astra (O2H/O2W) has been pushed back from 2029 to 2030.
- The launch of the new Alfa Giulietta (A2H), scheduled for 2030, remains on track. (This model will replace the Alfa Junior on the assembly lines in Tichy.)
- The launch of the new DS No. 4 (D2H), planned for 2029, appears to be in jeopardy or potentially abandoned.
- The launch of the new Lancia Delta (L2H), planned for 2028, appears to be in jeopardy or potentially abandoned.
The delays in the launch of these C-segment hatchbacks are reportedly a consequence of the postponement of the industrialization of the STLA ONE platform. These vehicles will instead be based on the STLA Small platform, adapted for C-segment cars.
Ford Europe is not abandoning the European market
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Ford Europe is not abandoning the European market
- Following the discontinuation—without replacement—of the Ford Ka (A-segment), Fiesta (B-segment), Focus (C-segment), Mondeo (D-segment), and Scorpio (E-segment) passenger cars, as well as the B-Max (B-segment), C-Max (C-segment), S-Max (D-segment), and Galaxy (E-segment) MPVs, one might have assumed that the American manufacturer was on the verge of exiting the European passenger vehicle market—much like its compatriots Chrysler (in 1978) and GM (in 2017) had done before it. This was despite the fact that Ford Europe still markets four SUVs: the Puma, Kuga, Explorer, and Capri. Indeed, Ford’s market share in Europe has been in a steady decline since 1995, falling gradually from 11.5% that year to 3.5% in 2025.
- However, Ford Europe’s strategy appears to have shifted entirely, with the company abandoning any plans to withdraw from the European market.
- Having already taken its first steps into the electric vehicle space—with assistance from Volkswagen—via the C-segment Explorer and Capri, the American manufacturer now plans to launch two B-segment electric models in 2028 based on Renault architecture (to be manufactured at a Renault facility in northern France). One of these could potentially replace the Ford Fiesta, while the other might serve as a successor to the Ford Puma.
- Furthermore, in 2029, Ford Europe intends to launch a replacement for the Kuga—this time based on Geely architecture (to be manufactured, as is currently the case, in Valencia, Spain)—offered with both hybrid and electric powertrains. By 2030, Ford Europe will have rebuilt a lineup consisting of five distinct models; however, the manufacturer will face the challenge of ensuring coherence across a collection of disparate vehicles that originate from various sources.
The Toyota group remains the world's leading automaker in 2026
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The Toyota group remains the world's leading automaker in 2026
- Global automotive production volume (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) fell by 1% in the first half of 2026 compared to the first half of 2025. This decline was driven by a drop in production in China (-4.2%, or 660,000 fewer vehicles), which was not offset by production increases in other regions of the world. Notably, China’s political allies also saw their production decline during the same period (a drop of 200,000 vehicles for Iran and 100,000 for Russia).
- Against this backdrop, shifts in the rankings primarily affect Chinese manufacturers.
- Between 2025 and 2026, the BYD Group fell from 5th to 9th place, while the Geely Group moved from 8th to 7th, now holding the enviable position of the leading Chinese automaker. The Chery Group moved from 13th to 12th place, and the SAIC Group climbed from 16th to 15th. Finally, the Changan Group slipped from 18th to 20th place.
- Among non-Chinese brands, Toyota (up 1.4%) solidified its position as the global leader, ahead of Volkswagen (down 11%), Hyundai-Kia (down 3.8%), Stellantis (up 2.7%), GM (down 0.1%), and Ford (down 7.8%).
- Behind these six major Japanese, European, Korean, and American manufacturers, we see the presence of the Geely Group, which—as previously noted—became the leading Chinese automaker in the first half of 2026.
- The Suzuki Group (up 10.8%), bolstered by strong growth in the Indian market, ranks 8th, ahead of BYD, Honda, Nissan, Chery, BMW, Renault, SAIC, and Mercedes. Tesla follows close behind in 17th place.
Inovev plans 45,000 units per year of the Audi A2 E-Tron
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Inovev plans 45,000 units per year of the Audi A2 E-Tron
- Having recently removed the A1 (B-segment hatchback) and Q2 (B-segment SUV) from its production lineup, the Audi brand—the premium subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group—is returning to the B-segment with a new model, this time featuring an all-electric powertrain. Named the A2 E-Tron, the model aligns with Audi’s nomenclature for electric vehicles, which are identified by even numbers (A6 E-Tron, Q4 E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, Q8 E-Tron). At the same time, the "A2" designation pays homage to the original Audi A2—a mini-MPV-style vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an aluminum body—of which 176,205 units were produced between 2000 and 2005. Indeed, the design of the new A2 E-Tron draws significant inspiration from its predecessor.
- While the original Audi A2 saw an average annual production of 35,000 units over its five-year lifespan, Inovev anticipates a higher volume for the new A2 E-Tron, projecting approximately 45,000 units per year.
- The Audi A2 E-Tron, which will be manufactured in Ingolstadt, is built on the MEB platform—the same architecture used for the Volkswagen ID.3 and the updated Cupra Born. Measuring 4.32 meters in length, the A2 E-Tron sits between the Volkswagen ID.3 (4.27 meters) and the Cupra Born (4.34 meters).
- Given its premium positioning, the A2 E-Tron (priced between €38,600 and €56,850) has few direct competitors in its segment. The Volvo EX30 (4.23 meters) is arguably its only current rival (priced between €39,100 and €50,850).
- Four powertrain options are available for the Audi. The base model features a 170 hp (125 kW) motor and offers a WLTP range of 423 km. The higher-end versions provide up to 326 hp (240 kW) and a WLTP range of 600 km.
The Dacia Sandero remains the leader of the European market in the first half of 2026
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The Dacia Sandero remains the leader of the European market in the first half of 2026
- Despite a strong recovery for the Tesla Model Y—driven by its restyling and a lull following the media storm sparked by controversial remarks from Tesla CEO Elon Musk—the model climbed from 22nd place in the European market in the first half of 2025 to 2nd place in the first half of 2026. Nevertheless, the Dacia Sandero narrowly managed to remain the leader across the 30-country European market (EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway) during this period. It is uncertain, however, whether it will retain this top spot through the second half of 2026, as the current momentum favours Tesla.
- Following the Dacia Sandero and the Tesla Model Y, the Renault Clio (encompassing both the fifth and sixth generations) sits in third place, narrowly ahead of the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen T-Roc, and Peugeot 208.
- The BMW X1/iX1 SUV ranks seventh, effectively displacing the BMW 1 Series (46th) and 3 Series (76th) sedans—models that once held much higher positions in the rankings. In fact, SUVs dominate the European top 25 for the first six months of 2026, accounting for 16 of the entries, compared to just 9 sedans. Among the 25 best-selling cars in Europe, only one is of Chinese origin: the MG ZS, which holds the 23rd position.
- When broken down by segment (combining sedans and SUVs), the C and B segments—the most popular categories—are neck and neck, capturing 35% and 34% of the European market, respectively. The D-segment now accounts for only 17% of the market—that is, half the size of the B-segment. The E-segment holds 5% of the market, while the A-segment accounts for just 4%.
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