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Stellantis reports surprising 2020 results, is 'off to a flying start'

MILAN — Low global car inventories and cost cuts should boost Stellantis's profit margins this year, though a shortage of semiconductors and investments in electric vehicles could weigh on results, the newly-formed automaker said on Wednesday. The forecast came as Stellantis, created by the January merger of Peugeot-maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler (FCA), reported better-than-expected results for 2020 that sent its shares up around 3% in morning trading. "Stellantis gets off to a flying start and is fully focused on achieving the full promised synergies (from the merger)," Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said in a statement. Stellantis is the world's fourth largest carmaker, with 14 brands including Fiat, Peugeot, Opel, Jeep, Ram and Maserati. It said 2021 results should be helped by three new high-margin Jeep vehicles in North America and a strong pricing environment there. The U.S. market has driven profits for years at FCA and starts off as the strongest part of Stellantis. The group's guidance assumes no more significant lockdowns caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered auto plants around the world last spring. Stellantis should also get a lift as its starts to implement a plan aimed at delivering over 5 billion euros a year in savings, without closing any plants. Tavares has also pledged not to cut jobs. But a pandemic-related global shortage of semiconductors, used for everything from maximizing engine fuel economy to driver-assistance features, could hurt business. Auto industry executives have said the shortage should ease by the second half of 2021. Stellantis said its "electrification offensive" could also weigh on results this year. Automakers are racing to develop electric vehicles to meet tighter CO2 emissions targets in Europe and this week Volvo joined a growing number of carmakers aiming for a fully-electric line-up by 2030. Stellantis plans to have fully-electric or hybrid versions of all of its vehicles available in Europe by 2025, broadly in line with plans at top rivals such as Volkswagen and Renault-Nissan, although Stellantis has further to go to meet that goal. The carmaker is targeting an adjusted operating profit margin of 5.5%-7.5% this year. That compares with a 5.3% aggregated margin last year: 4.3% at FCA and 7.1% at PSA excluding a controlling stake in parts maker Faurecia, which is set to be spun-off from Stellantis shortly.

Experience the New York Auto Show by drone

The Autoblog team recently returned from wildly running around the Javits Center to cover all the news and debuts at the New York Auto Show. Sometimes, it's nice to take a more serene look at the exhibition floor, though, and the event's organizers are providing that exact opportunity by flying a drone through the hall. Combined with the down-tempo music, this clip feels like a form of automotive meditation. If you're going to miss the show in the Big Apple, the drone also provides a good overview at the exhibition floor, especially at the stands from Lexus, Buick, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and BMW. Plus, it's a fun way to see some vehicles from a completely different angle than they ever appear on the road. Related Video: News Source: New York International Auto Show via YouTube Auto News New York Auto Show BMW Buick Dodge Honda Lexus Mercedes-Benz Toyota Videos drone 2015 ny auto show

Dodge recalling 2k SRT Hellcat Challengers and Chargers for fuel leak

Bad news for fans of the obscene output of the Dodge Hellcat twins, as FCA has announced a voluntary recall of both 707-horsepower variants of the 2015-model-year Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. According to FCA, a total of 2,211 cars are being recalled after a dealer discovered a "possible fuel leak" during a pre-delivery inspection. Despite getting cleared by suppliers, FCA claims its engineers found "improperly installed" hose seals. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification and be asked to report in for repairs. Of the vehicles affected, the overwhelming majority, 2,012, were sold in the US market. The remainder were sold in Canada (148), Mexico (30) and just 21 outside of North America. Scroll down for the official release from FCA. Related Video: Statement: Hose Seals March 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 2,211 cars globally to replace fuel-delivery components that may leak. An FCA US dealer alerted the Company to a possible fuel leak following a pre-delivery vehicle inspection. These components had passed the supplier's leak-testing, but FCA US engineers launched an investigation and discovered certain hose seals may have been improperly installed. The Company is unaware of any related injuries, accidents or customer complaints. Affected are model-year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupes and Dodge Charger SRT sedans equipped with 6.2-liter V-8 engines. There are an estimated 2,012 in the U.S.; 148 in Canada; 30 in Mexico and 21 outside the NAFTA region. Affected customers will be notified and advised when they may schedule service. Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.