Volvo drives European car sector, Stellantis runs in Milan

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Purchases on Stellantis at Piazza Affari following the publication of April European car registration figures and in the wake of the sprint of Volvo Car in Stockholm after the company reached an agreement with the US administration that will allow it to continue selling connected vehicles despite ties to China (Volvo is controlled by Geely).

Last month, the Stellantis Group's new car registrations in Europe grew6.7% against +7% for the market, for a share limited to 15.3% from 15.4%. In the January-April period, on the other hand, sales were up 7.1% year-on-year against +4.8% overall, for a market share increased to 15.8% from 15.5%. For Stellantis, comment Intermonte analysts, 'the product mix does not look bright overall, but consistent with previous months, with Jeep and Ds down but volumes sustained by new launches'. Sim's estimates "include mid-single-digit growth" in sales "in Europe for the quarter, with volume growth in the month partly penalised by registrations" of light commercial vehicles. "After Stellantis investor day," Banca Akros notes, "we believe that the positive momentum for volume expansion in Europe will continue" as the group moves towards "its roadmap to launch new models". The analysts also point out that 'the market share expansion of Chinese manufacturers is certainly a negative element for European manufacturers, which could see their shares eroded'. For Stellantis, however, the experts estimate 'a more limited impact' due to the partnership with Leapmotor.

The agreement between Volvo and the Trump administration, on the other hand, allows the Swedish carmaker to avoid the White House ban on vehicles equipped with China-related technology. "With this specific authorisation," reads a statement, "Volvo Cars can continue its growth plans in the United States. The news, as mentioned, rewards the entire European sector: in Paris the Renault also comes to the fore, while in Frankfurt purchases reward Mercedes-Benz Group , Volkswagen, Bmw and Porsche.