Opel parent company Stellantis sells significantly fewer cars

Struggling carmaker Stellantis sold 1.15 million cars worldwide from July to September, approximately a fifth fewer than in the same period a year earlier, the rival to Volkswagen said on Wednesday in Amsterdam based on preliminary estimates.

Stellantis includes brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep and Alfa Romeo.

In particular, sales fell significantly in the most lucrative and important market of North America: With 299,000 vehicles, Stellantis sold 36% fewer vehicles there, and many cars from the Stellantis brands remain unsold in dealers' lots.

In Europe, the decrease was 17% over the same period, with sales amounting to 496,000 cars.

Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares plans to take decisive action and reduce dealer inventories in the US to a maximum of 330,000 vehicles by the end of the year.

Stellantis has also made personnel changes as a result of the downturn: chief financial officer Natalie Knight was swiftly replaced by Doug Ostermann.

Tavares himself has a contract until early 2026, but a successor is already being sought.