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Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected

MILAN — Stellantis softened up investors ahead of its electrification strategy event on Thursday by flagging that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a chip shortage that has hit automakers worldwide. Stellantis, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, faces an investor community keen to hear how it plans to come up with a range of electrified vehicles (EVs) to rival Tesla. At its "EV Day 2021" kicking off at 1230 GMT, Stellantis will disclose significant investments in electrification technology and connected software as it aims to be an industry frontrunner, it said in a statement. In April, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said it would offer low-emission versions — either battery or hybrid electric — of almost all of its European models by 2025, and they should make up 70% of European sales and 35% of U.S. sales by 2030. Stellantis, the world's fourth-biggest automaker, has 14 brands in its stable, including Jeep, Ram, Opel, Fiat, Peugeot and Maserati.   Stellantis EV Day coverage: Dodge will launch the 'world's first electric muscle car' in 2024 Fully electric Ram 1500 will begin production in 2024 Jeep will have 4xe plug-in hybrid models across the lineup by 2025 Stellantis teases mystery electric Chrysler concept Stellantis previews 4 electric platforms: Here's how they'll be used Fiat says all Abarth models to be electric from 2024 Opel Manta E will be the electric revival of the classic German coupe Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected   At a similar EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault announced that 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target. Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to make up 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand. Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to a global shortage of semiconductor supplies. Stellantis shares listed in Milan were down 2.6% at 0920 GMT, underperforming the broader European car index. Bestinver analyst Marco Opipari said Thursday's news was positive but that the stock was suffering from profit taking as it had moved up about 20% since the end of April.

Maserati to cap output at 75,000 cars

Maserati appears set to take a page out of corporate sibling Ferrari's playbook with the possibility that it may cap global annual output in the coming years. Ferrari announced in 2013 that it would limit itself to 7,000 vehicles a year to maintain exclusivity, and so far, it has stuck to the plan.
According to an unnamed Maserati executive speaking to Reuters, the Italian luxury car maker wants to cap its sales to 75,000 vehicles a year. However, it's hardly there yet. The company doesn't forecast reaching that production benchmark until 2018.
Dave Sullivan, an auto industry analyst for AutoPacific, thinks that limiting sales could be a smart move for Maserati. "If it is profitable at 75,000 and doesn't require a significant investment in capacity to get there, this appears to be sound," he said to Autoblog via email. "Alfa Romeo is intended to be the volume brand and by capping Maserati, it means that even if you opted to buy the 'entry level' Ghibli, you still have a level of exclusivity."

New Maserati Ghibli, Levante F Tributo special editions honor a legend

Maserati is harkening back to its racing heritage with two special edition models: the Ghibli F Tributo and Levante F Tributo. Maserati had its Formula One debut in 1954 in the legendary 250F driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. Maserati says the F Tributo honors Fangio, who was a five-time World Champion, the first F1 driver to achieve that feat. Fangio originally drove for Maserati in 1952-54. He returned to Maserati in 1957 and won his career-defining fifth World Championship in a Maserati 250F. The special edition cars are available in two colors: Azzurro Tributo (bright blue) and Rosso Tributo (bright red). Bright blue represents Maserati's home city of Modena, while bright red is the traditional racing color of Italy. The cars' yellow brake calipers and wheel accents are a reference to the red-and-yellow livery of Fangio's Maserati 250F. Red and yellow also are used inside, where buyers can choose either as the contrast stitching for the black "Pieno Fiore" leather. Outside, 21-inch black wheels, black badges, and a body-color trident logo complete the look. The Maserati Ghibli and Levante F Tributo were unveiled at Auto Shanghai. Maserati will offer the two Fangio specials in the U.S. market, and a total of 345 will be produced worldwide. The Ghibli F Tributo is based on the S GranSport ($88,035) or the Q4 GranSport ($90,535), both of which feature a 424-hp turbocharged V6. The Levante F Tributo also is based on the S GranSport trim level ($95,385) with the same engine. Pricing of the F Tributo will be available closer to the North American on-sale date of June 2021. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.