Several Stellantis Group brands could be stopped in the long term
- The management of the Stellantis group (the world's fourth largest carmaker), which includes 14 different brands, has suggested that those that are not profitable will eventually be eliminated.
- The euphoric period that took place following the merger between the PSA group (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, Vauxhall) and the FCA group (Fiat, Alfa-Roméo, Lancia, Maserati, Abarth, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) in 2021 is no longer the same today. While the management of Stellantis stated that none of the brands making up the group would be eliminated and that everything would be done to develop these brands, the position has completely changed in 2024.
- Since 2021, in fact, the European automobile market has not returned to its pre-Covid levels, with this market representing almost half of the group's sales (44%). On the other hand, Chinese carmakers are making progress in this market and the production of their models in Europe will accelerate the movement.
- Recent statements on the search for lowering manufacturing cost and the possibility of closing several low-productivity assembly plants had already shown Stellantis' desire for maximum profitability.
- In this context, the group's brands most threatened would be Maserati (which could be sold), Abarth, DS and Lancia, whose market shares are extremely small. On the American market (26% of the group's sales), the Chrysler and Dodge brands have very low development potential and the resurrection of these brands seems very costly compared to the expected gains. The future of these six brands therefore seems to be in suspense today.