Core Viewpoint - More than 30 companies in the automotive supply chain are collaborating on open-source software to develop next-generation vehicles and reduce costs, as announced by Germany's VDA at the CES trade show in Las Vegas [1][2]. Group 1: Collaboration and Participants - The initiative has expanded from 11 to 32 participating firms, including Stellantis, Traton, Schaeffler, Infineon, and Qualcomm, alongside major German carmakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz [2]. - This collaboration signifies a global shift towards open innovation within the automotive industry, as stated by Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation [3]. Group 2: Goals and Benefits - The initiative aims to reduce development and maintenance efforts by up to 40% and accelerate time to market by up to 30% [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that 2026 is expected to mark the beginning of a new healthy and orderly development cycle for China's lithium battery new energy industry [3][19]. Investment Overview - In 2025, over 282 public investment projects related to the lithium battery industry chain in China are anticipated, with a total investment exceeding 820 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of over 74% [4]. - The investment projects are primarily concentrated in East and Central China, with regions like Fujian, Shandong, and Jiangsu leading in lithium battery and material manufacturing due to their rich chemical resources and strategic enterprise layouts [6]. Regional Distribution - The Southwest region, particularly Sichuan, is expected to dominate the investment in lithium battery positive materials, accounting for 59% of the projects, with a significant production capacity of over 350 GWh [11]. - Negative materials investment is more evenly distributed, with North and Northwest China favored due to lower electricity costs [11]. - The electrolyte projects are mainly concentrated in East China, benefiting from a robust industrial chain and proximity to downstream markets [11]. Overseas Expansion - Chinese lithium battery companies are increasingly focusing on overseas markets, with significant investments in Thailand, Spain, and Portugal, driven by favorable geopolitical conditions and local demand [7]. - Notable projects include the establishment of a zero-carbon AI super factory in Portugal and a joint venture factory in Spain by CATL and Stellantis [7]. Solid-State and Sodium Battery Development - In 2025, solid-state battery projects are expected to be concentrated in East China, with planned capacities of 74 GWh and total investments of 28 billion yuan [15]. - The sodium battery sector is projected to see significant growth, with planned capacities of 81 GWh and total investments of 32.2 billion yuan, primarily in the Southwest region [15]. Market Outlook - The lithium new energy industry is emerging from a challenging period characterized by supply-demand imbalances and declining prices, with positive signals indicating a recovery starting in 2025 [18]. - The demand for solid-state batteries and sodium batteries is expected to accelerate, with the latter projected to achieve a 100% increase in shipments by 2026 [19].

DETROIT — General Motors on Monday reported a 5.5% increase in its annual U.S. sales in 2025, despite a 6.9% decrease during the fourth quarter. The Detroit automaker's sales results were driven last year by incremental sales of EVs as well as gains in large SUVs and entry-level vehicles such as the Buick Envista. GM's 2025 sales are expected to be among the standouts for the U.S. automotive industry, which Cox Automotive expects to have risen about 2% compared with 2024. Other U.S. automakers also reported ...

Core Insights - FCA US LLC reported a total of 332,321 vehicle sales in Q4 2025, marking a 4% increase compared to Q4 2024, and this is the second consecutive quarter of sales growth in the U.S. [2][4] - The company achieved total sales of 1,260,344 vehicles for the full year 2025, which represents a 3% decrease year over year [4]. Sales Performance - December 2025 sales reached 121,170 vehicles, also reflecting a 4% increase compared to December 2024 [2]. - Jeep brand experienced its best December retail sales in three years, contributing to year-over-year total sales growth [7]. - Ram brand retail sales increased by 17% for the calendar year, with the Dodge Durango achieving its best total sales year since 2005, up 37% year over year [7]. Investment and Future Plans - The company announced a $13 billion investment over four years, the largest in its 100-year history, aimed at expanding U.S. production by 50% and launching five new vehicle models along with 19 product actions [3]. - This investment is expected to create over 5,000 new direct jobs across plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana [3]. Model-Specific Highlights - The Jeep Gladiator saw a remarkable 93% increase in Q4 total sales year over year, while the Wagoneer experienced a 67% increase in total sales for Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 [8]. - The Ram 1500's total sales increased by 23% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with retail sales improving across all nameplates [8]. - The Chrysler brand celebrated four months of consecutive retail sales growth, with the Pacifica minivan retail sales increasing by 23% [13].

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis has decided to resume production of the V8-powered Ram TRX pickup truck, with the 2027 model set to launch at the end of 2026, driven by relaxed U.S. federal emissions regulations and a sales turnaround plan for the U.S. market [2][3] Group 1: Strategic Reasons Behind the Decision - The decision to revive the V8 Ram TRX is part of a deeper strategic recalibration by Stellantis, reflecting a response to market trends, brand value, and technological pathways [3] - The adjustment in U.S. federal emissions regulations has created a temporary "safe harbor" for large displacement V8 engines, allowing Stellantis to capitalize on the opportunity to continue producing high-performance fuel vehicles [3] - Stellantis is facing declining sales in the U.S., projected to drop from 2 million units in 2020 to approximately 1.25 million by 2025, making the revival of the Ram TRX a critical move to boost brand image and sales [3] Group 2: Market Position and Competition - The Ram TRX, with a starting price of $100,000 and a title of "world's fastest production gasoline pickup," is expected to enhance Stellantis's high-end brand image and attract consumer attention across its entire model range [3][5] - The return of the Ram TRX is a strategic response to the competitive landscape in the North American pickup market, where Stellantis's market share in the high-end segment has declined by 3 percentage points since 2021 [5] - The Ram TRX's performance capabilities, including a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, position it as a strong competitor against rivals like the GMC Sierra AT4X, appealing to consumers seeking extreme speed and performance [5] Group 3: Retaining Internal Combustion Engine Options - Stellantis is not abandoning internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles but is instead retaining the V8 engine as a key component of its product lineup, ensuring competitiveness during the transition period [4] - The decision to resume V8 production targets niche but high-value consumer segments, such as off-road enthusiasts and modification fans, thereby solidifying the brand's position in specific market segments [4] - Future developments may include exploring larger displacement versions of the new Hemi series, indicating a long-term commitment to the high-performance vehicle market [4] Group 4: Global Market Dynamics - The revival of the Ram TRX aligns with the cultural significance of pickups in North America, where competition is fierce, and consumer demand for large displacement engines remains strong [5][7] - In regions like Australia and the Middle East, there is a high acceptance of large displacement engines, suggesting that Stellantis's decision could trigger a ripple effect in these markets [6] - The approach taken by Stellantis reflects an understanding of regional cultural differences, as the U.S. market continues to embrace traditional fuel vehicles despite the global shift towards electrification [7] Group 5: Challenges and Future Considerations - The high price point of the Ram TRX raises questions about its profitability, as the previous model faced challenges due to high production costs and a low profit margin of only 5% [8] - The uncertainty surrounding future emissions regulations post-2027 could pose risks to the viability of V8 engines, highlighting the need for Stellantis to navigate these challenges carefully [8] - The revival of the V8-powered pickup is seen as a calculated move to capture specific market segments while preparing for a future that balances fuel and electric vehicle development [9]

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is among the 9 Best Auto Stocks to Buy Now. Stellantis N.V. (STLA) Reaches 1,000 Hires For Windsor, Ontario Plant Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) disclosed on December 15, 2025, that it has hired more than 1,000 workers for its Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario in less than two months, as part of a goal to create 1,500 new jobs, as reported by WSJ. The hiring supports plans to add a third shift to the facility early next year to fulfill expected demand for Dodge Chargers and Chrys ...

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is one of the top cheap stocks under $20 to buy now. Kepler Capital reaffirmed a Buy rating on Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) on December 11, setting a price target of €12.00. However, the same day, Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) was downgraded to Underperform from Neutral by BNPP. Stellantis (STLA) Loses 8.6% on on Hydrogen Tech Pullout In another development, Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) announced a partnership with Bolt on December 9 for the joint exploration of the development an ...

Group 1 - Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is recognized as one of the best stocks under $25 to buy, with TD Cowen raising its price target to $13 from $12 while maintaining a Hold rating, reflecting confidence in the company's North American recovery efforts [1] - The HEMI mix is projected to expand to 25-40% within 18-24 months, with Cherokee volume initially focused on retail, allowing for higher volume if import costs decrease [2] - Stellantis plans to implement Tesla's North American Charging System for its electric vehicles in North America, Japan, and South Korea starting in 2026, and will provide Uber with at least 5,000 Level 4 autonomous vehicles for a new robotaxi network, utilizing NVIDIA's DRIVE AGX Hyperion platform [3] Group 2 - Stellantis designs, engineers, manufactures, distributes, and sells a variety of vehicles and mobility services globally, offering products under multiple brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall [4]

Core Insights - The 2027 Ram Power Wagon with Cummins turbo diesel has been introduced, featuring a 6.7-liter Cummins HO turbo diesel engine that produces 430 horsepower and a best-in-class base diesel torque of 1,075 lb.-ft, maintaining its status as the most off-road-capable full-size pickup [2][4][7] Product Features - The new Power Wagon combines Cummins power with exceptional towing capability, extended range, and off-road performance, catering to customers seeking adventure [3][4] - It includes advanced features such as front and rear electronic-locking differentials, Bilstein shocks, and a class-exclusive five-link coil rear suspension, enhancing off-road capability [7][10] - The truck offers a towing capacity of nearly 20,000 pounds and a payload capacity of almost 3,000 pounds, making it suitable for various hauling needs [19] Design and Comfort - The 2027 Ram Power Wagon features a robust design with underbody skid plates, 20-inch Satin Black wheels, and 34-inch all-terrain tires, ensuring durability and performance [6][14] - Inside, it boasts a premium interior with options for heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats, a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features [16][17][18] Market Positioning - The Power Wagon with Cummins turbo diesel is set to launch in the second half of 2026 at a starting price of $88,470, reflecting Ram's commitment to meeting customer demands for powerful and capable trucks [4][5] - Ram continues to enhance its product lineup, focusing on off-road performance and customer preferences, which positions the brand competitively in the growing truck market [21][22]

Core Insights - The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX is positioned as the fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck globally, reclaiming its top status in the half-ton segment after a brief hiatus [2][50] - The vehicle features a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine, delivering 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque, surpassing its nearest competitor by 57 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. of torque [3][16] - The TRX is set to launch in the second half of 2026 with a starting price of $99,995, not including destination fees [11][50] Performance Features - The TRX can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph, showcasing its high-performance capabilities [4][6] - It is equipped with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel-drive, ensuring optimal traction and performance [4][20] - The vehicle features advanced suspension technology, including second-generation Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks and Ram Active Terrain Dynamics, providing superior ride comfort and handling [25][26] Design and Technology - The TRX includes a best-in-class 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, enhancing the technological experience for users [9][33] - Luxury features include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system [42][47] - The Bloodshot Night Edition offers a unique two-tone design and exclusive interior accents, celebrating the TRX's return [7][32] Market Positioning - The TRX represents a significant return of the SRT Performance Division to the Ram lineup, marking a new chapter in the brand's performance heritage [13][50] - Ram aims to maintain its competitive edge in the off-road segment by offering more power and advanced features than its competitors [50][51] - The TRX is part of Ram's broader strategy to enhance its off-road lineup, which includes various models catering to different customer needs [48][51]