1987 Citroen Cx25 25gti on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Stellantis reports $15B profit in first year of merger

FRANKFURT, Germany — Automaker Stellantis said Wednesday that it made 13.4 billion euros ($15.2 billion) in its first year after it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. The earnings nearly tripled profits compared with its pre-merger existence as two separate companies, as the maker of Jeep, Opel and Peugeot vehicles exploited cost efficiencies from combining the businesses. The result compared to a combined 4.79 billion euros for the separate companies in 2020 before the merger, which took effect on Jan. 17, 2021. Revenue for the combined business rose 14%, to 152 billion euros. CEO Carlos Tavares said the results “prove that Stellantis is well positioned to deliver strong performance" and had overcome “intense headwinds” during the year. Automakers have struggled with shortages of key parts such as semiconductor electronic components and rising costs for raw materials as the global rebound from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic brings more demand. The company said the benefits of the merger were worth some 3.2 billion euros during the year. Mergers can lead to streamlined costs as companies combine functions and spread fixed costs over a larger revenue base. The company accelerated its rollout of battery-powered vehicles, with sales of low-emission vehicles reaching 388,000 — an increase of 160%. Stricter environmental regulations in Europe and China are pushing automakers to roll out more electric vehicles with longer range. Stellantis started production of a hydrogen fuel cell commercial van under its Opel brand in December. Stellantis' other brands include Chrysler, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Maserati, Ram and Vauxhall. Related video: Earnings/Financials Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

Citroen C4 X is 50% crossover, 50% sedan, and 100% weird

Citroen isn't done spreading eccentricity across its lineup. After releasing a segment-defying flagship called C5 X and an entry-level model named Ami that's smaller than a Smart ForTwo, the Paris-based company unveiled the mid-range C4 X that's half sedan and half crossover. We didn't see this one coming: it wasn't announced, endlessly teased, or even previewed by a concept car. It simply landed, and it's a sight to behold. Stretching about 181 inches long, the C4 X shares its CMP platform with numerous other cars in the Stellantis portfolio, including the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Mokka. The front end falls in line with Citroen's current design language and the back end isn't too far from it, but it's the full package that's intriguing here: the C4 X features the proportions of a sedan with the ground clearance of a crossover. Is that a good or a bad thing? You tell us. Citroen stresses that "many customers" have said they want something like it. Other companies have tried this concept, including AMC with the Eagle, but it has never really caught on. Time will tell if Citroen has cracked the code. The interior is more conventional than the exterior. Step inside and you'll find seats designed with a clear emphasis on comfort ("occupants can expect to feel like they're sitting in a snug armchair," according to the French company), a minimalist dashboard design, and the My Citroen Drive Plus infotainment system displayed on a 10-inch touchscreen. Designers gave the sedan, assuming that's what you want to classify it as, a regular trunk lid rather than a hatch but cargo space nonetheless checks in at reasonably generous 18 cubic feet. Globally, the palette of available engines includes a turbodiesel four-cylinder tuned to develop 130 horsepower and bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline-powered unit offered with 100 or 130 horsepower. The triple can be linked to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel-drive is the only configuration available. Citroen will also make an electric powertrain with 136 horsepower and up to 224 miles of driving range available — some countries will only get the EV. Built in Madrid, Spain, the Citroen C4 X will reach showrooms across Europe in the fall of 2022. Pricing hasn't been announced yet. Related Video Featured Gallery 2022 Citroen C4 X, official images View 23 Photos Citroen Crossover Sedan

Recharge Wrap-up: Hyundai/Kia fined $755M for exaggerated MPG ratings; BMW dealers want more i8s

The fine against Hyundai and Kia has grown to $755 million for overstating fuel economy ratings. $360 million of that fine comes from the EPA for violation of the Clean Air Act: $100 million is a civil penalty, $210 million is a forfeiture of greenhouse gas credits and another $50 million will pay for independent fuel economy audits on future models. The remaining $395 million is a settlement for customers who purchased the affected vehicles. A slew of 2011 to 2013 models were found to have fuel economy ratings overstated by one to six miles per gallon. Customers will be awarded funds to offset the unexpected fuel costs or to put toward a new Hyundai or Kia vehicle. Read more at Hybrid Cars. BMW dealers are awaiting details on new dealership standards - and BMW i8 models for their showroom floors. According to BMW National Dealer Forum Chairman Steve Late, BMW dealers are anxiously waiting to see what sort of updates they'll need to do to get in line with BMW's Future Retail 2016 program. As for the new EVs, Late says that the BMW i3 sales were slow to start, but that once people learned more about it, "wham, bam, it is taking off." The i8 shortage is a bigger problem: "I was allocated three for 2014, and I have a waiting list of 47 people. This year, maybe I will get eight or 10, and I still won't be able to fulfill them." Still, Late says he won't sell the cars at an upcharge. Read more at Automotive News. Opel is reportedly planning an electric version of its Karl hatchback. According to German automotive magazine Autobild, Opel will begin selling the diminutive Karl EV by the end of 2018. The electric car will offer a driving range of about 93 miles. The gasoline-powered version is expected to begin deliveries this June. Read more at Automotive News Europe. PSA Peugeot Citroen says it will keep its Hybrid Air program alive as it looks for a cost-sharing partner. Hybrid Air technology uses a compressed air hybrid system to improve fuel economy as we saw in the Peugeot 208 Hybrid Air concept. A French newspaper reported that Hybrid Air won't make it to commercialization, and that the program's team of engineers has been reduced. A PSA spokesperson confirms the change to the program, saying, "We are now waiting for another partner to help us begin the production stage." Read more at Automotive News Europe. Related Video: