Stellantis vehicle shipments surging in North America
Stellantis NV said Monday its second-quarter estimated vehicle shipments in North America increased 38% compared to a year ago, largely thanks to new and refreshed models such as the Ram 1500 Hemi V-8, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica.
The North American surge helped Stellantis globally record a 10% rise in shipments despite challenges in its South America market, as well as the Middle East and Africa region, where shipments fell due to the Iran war. In Europe, shipments were up 5% compared to a year ago.
The shipment figures don't count total sales, but rather the number of vehicles the carmaker delivered to dealers, distributors or directly to customers such as rental car agencies. In the U.S., total sales were up 6% in the second quarter, as the carmaker reported earlier this month.
The 38% shipment increase in North America to 445,000 vehicles was in large part thanks to several new vehicles starting to hit the market, including production of the new Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Charger ramping up. But Stellantis said it also reflected the automaker beefing up inventory ahead of planned summer production shutdowns.
CEO Antonio Filosa in May unveiled a $68 billion new five-year business plan focused on launching a series of new models and reorganizing the company's large portfolio of brands. The automaker has also announced plans to beef up regional and U.S. production capacity to support expected growth.
Still, sales haven't kept pace with the surge in shipments to dealers. In May, for example, the automaker's American brands - Chrysler, Ram, Jeep and Dodge - recorded the highest U.S. inventory levels in the country, according to Cox Automotive Inc. Ram, Jeep and Dodge all had days' supply of inventory that was nearly twice the national average.
Stellantis shares in New York rose slightly in early trading Monday. But the stock is down by about 50% so far this year, including declines that followed Filosa's new business turnaround plan unveiled in May. The automaker reports second-quarter financial results on July 30.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 6:35 PM.