World No. 4 Stellantis is unique in that it straddles the U.S. market and Europe like no other automaker, with the lion’s share of its profit coming from U.S. pickup truck and SUV sales.
Not so long ago, the auto industry was focused on globalization. But since Trump’s first presidency, globalization has been gradually replaced by regionalization.
CEO Antonio Filosa says that now means the world is divided into two parts: “One is the United States ... and then we have the rest of the world.”
Stellantis must juggle different regulations across that divide, while also forging new partnerships with Chinese automakers to sell cars and fill up empty factories in Europe.
How it manages those geopolitical and regulatory divides will determine whether Stellantis succeeds in the long run.
Volkswagen estimates the total cost of job cuts and potential plant closures, part of a landmark restructuring pact struck last week, at around €16 billion ($18.6 billion), a person familiar with the matter said.
Tesla plans to bring its Semi electric truck to Europe, broadening its reach beyond North America as it seeks a foothold in a heavy-duty market where rivals already sell battery-powered models.
Chinese EV maker BYD plans to launch its first heavy-duty truck in Europe next year and ultimately manufacture trucks locally, a senior executive said at the IAA trade fair in Hanover.
Europe’s truckmakers called on the EU to delay compliance with 2030 CO2 reduction targets by three years as insufficient charging networks and high energy costs meant zero-emission vehicles did not make business sense for buyers.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast will develop two new EVs for the Indian market, five sources told Reuters, just weeks after it suspended plans to produce some of its global models there.
Volvo Cars will become the exclusive distributor for Lynk & Co cars in Europe from January 2027, owner Geely said.
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