Stellantis N.V. reports developments across a global automotive business built around brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Recurring news covers operating and financial results, regional vehicle demand, industrial execution, liquidity, and capital actions alongside updates from its brand portfolio.
Company announcements also track vehicle launches and refreshes, including Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and Rubicon models; Mopar service, parts and customer-care products; design and performance programs; shareholder voting matters; and brand partnerships tied to customer engagement and mobility services.
Stellantis and Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance have announced a binding agreement to acquire the activities of ALD in Portugal and LeasePlan in Luxembourg. This strategic move aims to enhance their joint venture, the NewCo, strengthening its position as a leading European leasing provider while advancing their Dare Forward 2030 strategy. The acquisition will add approximately 30,000 vehicles to NewCo's fleet, which currently stands at around 828,000. The transaction is expected to close in 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of ALD's acquisition of LeasePlan.
Stellantis, recognized for its diverse automotive portfolio, announces the 11th annual Drive for Design contest aimed at high school students in grades 10-12. Participants are invited to sketch a design for the next-generation Ram electric truck. The contest's grand prize includes an internship at the Ram Truck Exterior Design Studio, a Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 tablet, and promotion on Stellantis' social media.
Entries must be submitted by April 21, 2023. The initiative fosters creativity and highlights career opportunities in automotive design, supported by past winners who are now professionals in the industry.
Dodge unveiled the 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170, boasting 1,025 horsepower and claiming the title of the world's fastest muscle car. This limited edition, part of Dodge's 'Last Call' series, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 1.66 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds, receiving an NHRA violation for its performance. The car, limited to 3,300 units (3,000 for the U.S.), is priced at $96,666. Notably, horsepower is adjusted based on the ethanol fuel content. The unveiling took place at the Dodge Last Call event in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone as part of the HEMI muscle-car era's conclusion.
Stellantis has launched six FIAT carlines in Algeria to enhance the local automotive sector, beginning March 21. The models include the FIAT 500 Hybrid, 500X, Tipo, Doblò, Scudo, and Ducato. This move involves an investment of over €200 million to establish manufacturing in Tafraoui, Oran, with production of the FIAT 500 starting in December 2023. The initiative aims to create 2,000 jobs and achieve a localization rate of over 30% by 2026. Stellantis aims to sell one million vehicles in the region by 2030, underlining its commitment to local production and customer service, with a comprehensive sales network planned for 28 Wilayas.
Dodge has unveiled the final segment of its five-video teaser series titled "Trip Wire", leading up to the big reveal of the last 2023 Dodge "Last Call" special-edition model. The official unveiling will occur on March 20, 2023, during the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event will showcase the electrified future of Dodge, including the new Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept. Dodge has previously released six special-edition models as part of this series, celebrating the Dodge Challenger and Charger, which will cease production in their current forms by the end of 2023.
Stellantis N.V. announced the launch of the first tranche of its Share Buyback Program, with a budget of up to €500 million aimed at acquiring shares in the open market. This initiative is part of a broader plan totaling €1.5 billion, designed to enhance shareholder value by canceling shares purchased during the buyback. The program will commence on March 17, 2023, and conclude by June 19, 2023. Shares bought back will be canceled subsequently. The buyback is authorized by shareholders and will not exceed 10% of the company's capital, in compliance with market regulations.
Stellantis has announced new concept sketches for the Jeep brand ahead of the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari, taking place from April 1-9, 2023 in Moab, Utah. The concepts are designed for off-road adventures and highlight the brand's commitment to electrification with a focus on Zero Emission Freedom. Jeep's offerings include models like the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and more, all of which will have electrified variants by 2025. The brand emphasizes a customer care program, Jeep Wave, enhancing the ownership experience.
On March 14, 2023, Dodge revealed the fourth teaser video for its final 2023 "Last Call" special-edition model, hinting at extraordinary horsepower, as indicated in the video titled "HEMI® Vice." The model is set to debut at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas event on March 20, 2023, following the release of the last teaser on March 17. Dodge will showcase its electrified future alongside the unveiling, including the Charger Daytona SRT Concept. The event will also feature drag racing, celebrity appearances, and additional attractions. Dodge is commemorating the Challenger and Charger models before transitioning away from their current HEMI engine format.
On March 13, 2023, in Turin, Italy, Finnish F1 driver Valtteri Bottas purchased one of the exclusive 500 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAs, a high-performance vehicle celebrated for its style and engineering. This limited-edition model, inspired by the iconic 1965 Giulia GTA, boasts a 540 hp engine and significant weight reduction through the use of ultralight materials. Bottas, an Alfa Romeo enthusiast, expressed pride in becoming an ambassador for the brand and owning this collector's car. The Alfa Romeo team, including CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, acknowledged Bottas's exceptional career in F1, marking this delivery as a moment of passion and legacy for the brand.
The Jeep brand is set to return to Moab, Utah, for the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari from April 1-9, 2023. This iconic off-road event, hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club, attracts thousands of Jeep enthusiasts. Attendees can expect the unveiling of a new collection of concept vehicles, including a 4xe electrified SUV designed for silent off-road performance, underscoring Jeep's commitment to achieving Zero Emission Freedom. This event will highlight Jeep's innovative approach to off-road capabilities and its electrification initiative, aiming for all Jeep vehicles to have an electrified variant by 2025.