Stellantis Weighs Sale or Sharing of Rennes, Cassino and Madrid Plants with Chinese Partners
Stellantis is exploring sale or sharing of European vehicle plants in Rennes, Cassino and Madrid with Chinese partners to reduce surplus capacity and gain technology. The group plans to stop production at Poissy after 2028, raising potential job cuts, union protests and French political scrutiny.
1. European Plant Discussions
Stellantis has initiated discussions with potential buyers and industrial partners, including Chinese automaker candidates, to address surplus capacity. Delegates from Dongfeng Motor have visited sites in Rennes, Madrid, Cassino and other Italian and German facilities as part of these talks.
2. Sale and Sharing Options
Options under consideration include outright sale of individual plants or joint manufacturing ventures that leverage unused capacity in exchange for access to partner technologies. Multiple Chinese manufacturers have expressed interest, though no binding agreements have been reached.
3. Poissy Conversion and Local Impact
Production at the Poissy factory will cease after 2028, prompting potential job cuts and supplier disruptions that have spurred union protests. The move is expected to draw political scrutiny in France, while Italy has signaled openness to foreign investment in its automotive sector.