Stellantis US sales flatten in Q3 amid tumultuous turnaround
Published in Automotive News
Year-over-year U.S. sales for Stellantis NV dipped slightly in the third quarter of 2026, according to company data released Oct. 1, as the struggling transatlantic automaker continues to chase an elusive turnaround.
The Jeep and Chrysler parent company sold 324,277 vehicles in the quarter spanning July through September. That was a decline of 548 (0.17%) from 324,825 vehicles a year ago.
“Against a highly competitive industry backdrop, we delivered a disciplined third quarter, supported by our motivated dealer network, which continued to drive our retail business,” said Michael Orange, the company's head of U.S. retail sales.
A company press release called the quarterly performance "steady" and noted that year-to-date sales are up 3% compared to the first three quarters of a disappointing 2025.
Stellantis CEO Anthony Filosa on Sept. 30 reaffirmed expectations for a modest revenue increase this year, telling industry observers at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit that "we are completely committed. We are convinced that we will do that."
The company's biggest bright spot in the third quarter came from the Ram brand. Total sales of the Ram 1500 truck were up 73% compared to the same period last year, and brand sales overall were up 29%.
Another positive came from the Jeep Cherokee Hybrid, which arrived on dealer lots in late 2025. The vehicle recorded its best-ever retail month (10,344 units) in September as some consumers look for better fuel economy amid spiking gas prices.
The Jeep brand struggled overall, however. Brand sales fell 20% in the quarter compared to last year and have now fallen 8% compared to the first three quarters of 2025. The pickup-heavy Ram brand (134,072 units) was Stellantis' top seller in the third quarter, outpacing Jeep (128,542) by several thousand vehicles.
Dodge experienced year-over-year third-quarter growth thanks to the success of the Durango SUV (up 14% ) and Charger muscle car. The brand reintroduced an internal combustion version of the vehicle earlier in 2026.
Chrysler, which only sells the Pacifica minivan, saw 6% growth compared to the same quarter last year.
The company's European import models, which represent a small slice of its U.S. business, were down sharply. The Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands saw sales decreases of 83% and 65%, respectively.
Filosa said the keys to Stellantis' longer-term turnaround are "freedom of choice," customer and dealer input, and a slate of 11 new U.S. vehicles scheduled for the next five years.
Seven new vehicles will cost under $40,000, with two of those under $30,000. Filosa said the lower-price market represents a "huge opportunity" for Stellantis.
"We have just one car there (below $30,000) today, which is the Jeep Compass. So we know that can get there," the Stellantis CEO said.
"North America has all the skills and competencies to leverage and to accelerate the turnaround, including the brands, the people and the partners."
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