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Stellantis will build four electric vehicles in Italy, say union reps

MILAN — Stellantis will produce four medium-segment electric vehicles, of different brands, at its Melfi plant in southern Italy from 2024, the UILM union said on Tuesday. Since Stellantis was formed at the beginning of this year through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, production in Italy has been under scrutiny for costing more than elsewhere in Europe. "Stellantis announced that Melfi would be the first plant in Italy to get new models, based on post-2022 business plan," UILM said in a statement after workers' representatives met with the carmaker at Italy's industry ministry in Rome. Future production at Melfi will be based on a single enhanced production line that will merge the two existing ones, the union said, adding the restructuring will leave production capacity at the site unchanged at around 400,000 units. UILM's head, Rocco Palombella, said unions had not received all the answers they wanted as Stellantis was still working on its new business plan. "But the positive element is that the company has not absolutely called for structural redundancies," he said after the meeting. Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares has said the group would present its business plan late this year or in early 2022. Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest carmaker, gave no details about what was discussed at the meeting. In an earlier statement the company said it was working "with determination and speed" to support the energy transition of all its Italian sites. Italy's Industry minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, however, said in a separate statement after the meeting that Stellantis had yet to decide where it would build its third electric battery plant in Europe. Stellantis, which already has two battery factory projects in France and Germany, has said adding gigafactories in Europe and the United States would be decided this year. The company is holding talks on this with Rome, as Italy is one of its main production hubs in Europe. Related video: Green Plants/Manufacturing Alfa Romeo Fiat Jeep Citroen Opel Peugeot Stellantis

Stellantis reports record margins, $7B profits despite chip shortage

MILAN — Automaker Stellantis on Tuesday said it achieved faster-than-expected progress on synergies and record margins in its first six months as a combined company, despite suffering 700,000 units in lower production due to interruptions in the semiconductor supply chain. The company — formed from French carmaker Peugeot PSAÂ’s takeover of the Italian-American company Fiat Chrysler — reported net profit of 5.9 billion euros ($7 billion) in the first half of 2021, compared with a loss 813 million euros during the same period a year earlier, which was impacted by the coronavirus restrictions around the globe. Shipments rose 44% to 3.2 million units, while revenues rose 46% to 75 billion euros. “We are very pleased with the speed with which the new team has begun to execute as one company, as Stellantis,Â’Â’ Chief Financial Officer Richard Palmer told reporters. Semiconductor shortages accounted for 200,000 units of production losses in the first quarter and 500,000 in the second quarter. Semiconductors are used more than ever before in new vehicles with electronic features such as Bluetooth connectivity and driver assist, navigation and hybrid electric systems. Stellantis achieved 1.3 billion euros in cost savings in the first half, mostly by sharing investments in new technologies and platforms, which Palmer said was a faster rate than initially forecast. It aims to achieve 80% of the targeted 5 billion in cost savings by 2024. “These synergies allow us to continue to invest in the electrification strategy, which we talk about every day,” Palmer said. Stellantis, which lags competitors in rolling out electric vehicles, plans to launch 21 fully electric or plug-in gas electric hybrid vehicles over the next two years. North American posted record profitability on global sales of Ram trucks and the strong launch of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which was the best-selling plug-in gas electric vehicle in the United States in the second quarter. Stellantis was the market leader in South America and second in Europe. The results were presented on a pro-forma basis, taking into account the performance of each of the carmakers as separate entities during 2020. Related video: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Inside and Out

Jeep celebrates with 75th anniversary editions [w/video]

Jeep is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. That's one heck of a milestone, and it's celebrating with a special edition. Not just one special edition, either. The all-American off-road brand has wheeled out six – one for each model in its lineup. Though the specifications for each of these 75th Anniversary Edition specials differs from model to model, they each feature an available green paintjob, wheels in a low-gloss bronze finish, orange trim, interiors upholstered in a unique mesh fabric, and (of course) special badges inside and out. They also each feature some manner of open-air aperture, from the fully convertible roof on the Wrangler through the fabric roof panel on the Renegade to the more conventional power sunroofs on the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Patriot. The shades of green paint depend on the model. The Compass, Patriot, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee offer Recon Green, the Renegade a brighter Jungle Green, and the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited can be had in Sarge Green. If you don't dig the verde approach, you can still order yours up in a different color. The Wrangler special naturally comes the most prepared for off-road duty, packed with rock-crawling equipment like Dana axles with a choice of axle ratios. For more details, you'll want to delve into the press release below, and for a closer look you can scope them out in the accompanying image gallery and video footage. The 75th Anniversary editions are set to hit dealers within the next few months, with prices starting at $22,475 (plus $995 destination) for the Patriot. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. THE JEEP® BRAND CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF LEGENDARY HISTORY WITH FULL LINEUP OF NEW SPECIAL-EDITION MODELS - New 75th Anniversary models available across entire Jeep® lineup - Special-edition vehicles feature unique available Jeep Green exterior, Satin Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, open-air freedom and 75th Anniversary badging - Available in Jeep dealer showrooms first quarter 2016 January 6, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Born in 1941, the Jeep® brand celebrates 75 years of 4x4 leadership, military history, and open-air freedom and adventure in 2016. As a tribute to this diamond anniversary celebration, Jeep is creating distinctive, 75th Anniversary special-edition models of each vehicle in its lineup.