Car registrations in Europe fell by 2.8% in March, but managed to maintain the positive sign in the quarter: +4.9%. In this scenario, the France-Italy derby within Stellantis sees, between January and March, Peugeot (+3%) and Citroën (+11.4%), while Fiat scores -2.2% and Alfa Romeo gains 0.4%. Interesting is Lancia’s data with the popular Ypsilon, now at the end of its run and sold only in Italy, which has already given way to the more expensive premium model of the same name (electric and hybrid), marking +16.6%, overtaking of wool (12,987 against 12,574 units) Alfa Romeo. Almost a sign of rebellion on the part of the glorious Italian compact which however slowed down in March (-3.8%). Well, in the three months, also for the former FCA, the American Jeep (+14.4%), as well as, looking at the former Psa Group, the German Opel (+4.8%). Definitely negative moment for the premium Ds beyond the Alps: -15.9% since January and -24.5% last month. Even the data for March alone show Fiat and Alfa Romeo with a negative sign (down, respectively, by 8.3% and 11%); and a month to forget also for Peugeot (-12.7%), Citroën (-3%) and Opel (-10%). The group led by Carlos Tavares has to thank the usual Jeep, the only brand in the galaxy, which gains in monthly sales: +7.2%.
Overall market shares for Stellantis also decreased: from 17.6% to 16.5% in March and by 0.1% in the quarter (17.6% compared to 17.7% a year ago).
And if Alfa Romeo, with the Junior crossover (formerly Milan) will have the opportunity to grow in the coming months, for the Fiat brand – which is based on the electric 500, which is struggling, 500X and Panda, old even if renewed, but which fortunately they hold firm – the situation remains problematic.
Unions are increasingly concerned about the uncertainty that reigns around Stellantis’ Italian production system. Rocco Palombella, Uilm leader, raises the alarm: between Melfi and Cassino, where there was a strike yesterday, almost 500 workers are at risk of their jobs. «The situation is worrying – warns Palombella – also for the health and hygiene situation of the factories: those responsible for cleaning services are also affected by the cuts in contracting and logistics companies. A group with an 18.6 billion profit must have greater consideration for the value of all its workers, starting from those in the related industries, the most exposed.”
Returning to the registration data in Europe, the growing difficulties of electric cars are confirmed: -11.3%, in March, and market share dropped from 13.9% a year ago to the current 13%.
Among the three largest “electric” markets, Belgium (+23.8%) and France (+10.9%) recorded double-digit increases, while Germany suffered a significant decline of 28.9%, worse Italy did it again: -34.4%.
Tags: Stellantis pushes French Fiat cars badly
