The global semiconductor shortage prevented the Peugeot-Citroën and Fiat-Chrysler merger auto group Stellantis from producing 190,000 vehicles in the first quarter, but did not dampen sales, the company said on Wednesday. second largest European manufacturer.
The group of 14 brands warns that the lack of electronic chips, manufactured mainly in Asia and subject to exceptional global demand, will continue and have “higher repercussions” in the second quarter, before improving in the second half.
As at Ford or Volkswagen, factories cannot operate in the absence of these components which have become ubiquitous in cars, and subjected to very strong competition from IT since the pandemic has accelerated the rise of teleworking and leisure activities in France. the House.
Eight of the 44 factories of the Stellantis group are currently affected by this shortage, between the suspension of certain assembly lines and days of technical unemployment, said the group’s financial director, Richard Palmer, at a press conference.
No impact on the group’s forecasts
“Our stocks are down, particularly in North America”, Palmer said. “It also allows us to act more efficiently, with a lower stock”, which is good for the “profitability” of the group, said the chief financial officer.
The group presented a net turnover of 34.3 billion euros in the first quarter, up 14% compared to the first quarter of 2020, which had been slowed to its end by the first health measures linked to Covid- 19.
Stellantis sold 1.567 million vehicles in the first quarter, a figure reflecting “strong consumer demand and good retail sales performance”, according to Stellantis, and is placed on the highest step of the podium in Europe, when including passenger and utility vehicles.
Its outlook is unchanged for 2021 in its main markets, with an expected rebound of 10% in Europe, 8% in North America and 20% in South America.
To boost its sales, the group is counting in the coming months on the launch of its new Opel Mokka, and the production of Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee.
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