Stellantis vehicle shipments rose 12% in the first quarter, driven in part by strong demand for its pickups and SUVs in North America as the company makes a major executive move to help boost sales in the U.S.
The details: The automaker’s global shipments (vehicle deliveries to dealers, distributors, or directly from the company to retail and fleet customers) rose to an estimated 1.36 million units, Yahoo Finance reported.
Shipments in North America rose 17% in Q1, with about 54,000 more vehicles shipped during the quarter than in the same period a year ago.
The surge in the region was fueled by demand for the Hemi V8-powered Ram light-duty truck, refreshed Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and new Jeep Cherokee.
Vehicle shipments in Europe rose by 69,000 units, representing a 12% year-over-year increase.
Why it matters: The shipment increase points to improving momentum for some of Stellantis’ most important products, especially high-margin trucks and SUVs, helping to support dealer profitability in the U.S.
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Between the lines: Stellantis’ shipment gains come as the company brings in longtime Hyundai Motor Co. executive Michael Orange for a senior North America role under CEO Antonio Filosa.
At Hyundai, Orange served as vice president of national sales and was described in a dealer memo obtained by CDG as a “valued leader and partner,” particularly for his work with the dealer body.
Orange’s hire is the latest in a series of moves by Stellantis to strengthen ties with dealers amid lingering frustrations, including adding more than 200 staff to its sales, service, and parts field teams.
Bottom line: Stellantis appears to be pairing stronger product momentum with a renewed focus on dealer relations. For dealers, that could mean better support, healthier inventory flow, and a stronger push behind the vehicles driving the company’s recovery.
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