Stellantis weighs exit from Samsung US battery venture – report

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis is considering withdrawing from its US battery partnership with Samsung SDI to conserve cash after significant financial write-downs [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Considerations - Stellantis aims to conserve cash following over €22 billion ($26.20 billion) in write-downs announced last week [1]. - The automaker's CEO is attempting to curb losses linked to EV and battery initiatives, which are projected to be unprofitable due to policy shifts under former President Trump [2]. Group 2: Partnership and Production - Stellantis and Samsung established a joint venture in Indiana in 2021, committing $2.5 billion and promising 1,400 jobs [3]. - The Indiana plant is Samsung's only battery facility in the US and began production in 2024, focusing on energy-storage applications [3]. Group 3: Strategic Changes - Stellantis recently agreed to exit a partnership with LG Energy Solution in Canada, where LG acquired its share for $100, while Stellantis will continue sourcing EV batteries from the site [4]. - The company is also in discussions with unions at its French plant regarding potential temporary unemployment measures due to challenges in ramping up battery production [5]. Group 4: Industry Context - Stellantis, along with General Motors and Ford, is reassessing multibillion-dollar battery commitments made during the Biden administration as electric vehicle demand has not met expectations [6]. - There is a shift in focus towards redirecting battery output for grid and data-center uses, where demand is increasing [6].