Dark clouds are gathering over Stellantis in the ever turbulent US auto market. The company’s sales plummeted 20% in the third quarter, reaching a mere 305,000 units. This slump extends throughout the year, with sales falling a staggering 17% in the first nine months, dipping below the crucial one million mark.
While competitors like General Motors (down 1%), Toyota (up 6.2%), and Ford (up 2.7%) maintain strong positions, Stellantis is facing a stark wake-up call. The company seems to be drowning in a sea of finger pointing.
CEO Carlos Tavares blames the marketing and sales teams, North American dealers point the finger back at him, and whispers of a potential CEO shakeup are circulating within Stellantis.
However, to emerge from this sales slump, a comprehensive plan is vital. This plan should encompass strategies to reduce bloated inventories, introduce enticing new models to rekindle customer interest, and prioritize reliability an area where Stellantis, alongside Ford, holds a dubious reputation for frequent recalls.
The automotive world, both in the real world and the virtual car design, is offering potential solutions. Prominent virtual car designer Vince Burlapp (vburlapp on social media or burlappcar.com) has hinted at an upcoming all new Dodge Durango, despite previous denials.
Stellantis is facing a sales slump in the US, with a significant drop in unit sales compared to competitors. In response, they need a strategy to boost sales, including new models. Virtual car designer Vince Burlapp has some interesting ideas, including a revival of the Dodge Durango and a new electric Stealth SUV.
According to Burlapp, the electric Stealth would be a smaller, five-seat companion to the larger, three row Durango. Both vehicles could potentially coexist if they have distinct designs, similar to the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander or Jeep Cherokee and Cherokee L. The Durango is expected to share some features with the Jeep Wagoneer S and offer both electric and traditional gasoline engine options.
