European Auto Industry Shifts to Defense Manufacturing Amid Crisis
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy STLA?
Source: CNBC
- Crisis Deepens: The European automotive industry is experiencing a structural crisis characterized by slowing electric vehicle demand, lost market share to Chinese competitors, and rising borrowing costs, leading to sales volumes significantly below pre-pandemic levels, which adversely affects profitability and market confidence.
- Shift to Defense Manufacturing: Renault's announcement to develop ground-based drones and its partnership with defense group Turgis Gaillard for aerial drones indicate a strategic pivot by automakers seeking diversification in response to market challenges, aiming to leverage growth opportunities in the defense sector to alleviate current difficulties.
- Intensifying Market Competition: According to ACEA data, BYD reported a staggering 175% year-on-year increase in new car sales, reaching 13,982 units, while European automakers like Volkswagen have seen their stock prices plummet over 60% in the past five years, highlighting the strong performance of Chinese brands and the threat they pose to the European automotive industry.
- Employment and Ethical Challenges: Volkswagen plans to cut approximately 35,000 jobs by 2030, and while collaboration with Israeli defense firm Rafael may preserve some positions, unions warn that the significant differences in production models between the defense and automotive sectors make it unrealistic to resolve the structural issues facing the auto industry.
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Analyst Views on STLA
Wall Street analysts forecast STLA stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 7.430
Low
9.33
Averages
11.81
High
15.15
Current: 7.430
Low
9.33
Averages
11.81
High
15.15
About STLA
Stellantis N.V., formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., is a holding Company based in the Netherlands and operates as an automaker and a mobility provider. The Company is engaged in designing, engineering, manufacturing, distributing and selling vehicles, components and production systems. The Company has industrial operations in more than 30 countries and sells its vehicles directly or through distributors and dealers in more than 130 countries. The Company designs, manufactures, distributes and sells vehicles for the mass-market under the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia and Ram brands. In addition, the Company designs, manufactures, distributes and sells luxury vehicles under the Maserati brand. The Company's brand portfolio also includes Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall. It offers a wide variety of vehicle choices from luxury and mainstream passenger vehicles to pickup trucks, sport utility vehicle (SUVs).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
European Auto Industry Shifts to Defense Manufacturing Amid Crisis
- Crisis Deepens: The European automotive industry is experiencing a structural crisis characterized by slowing electric vehicle demand, lost market share to Chinese competitors, and rising borrowing costs, leading to sales volumes significantly below pre-pandemic levels, which adversely affects profitability and market confidence.
- Shift to Defense Manufacturing: Renault's announcement to develop ground-based drones and its partnership with defense group Turgis Gaillard for aerial drones indicate a strategic pivot by automakers seeking diversification in response to market challenges, aiming to leverage growth opportunities in the defense sector to alleviate current difficulties.
- Intensifying Market Competition: According to ACEA data, BYD reported a staggering 175% year-on-year increase in new car sales, reaching 13,982 units, while European automakers like Volkswagen have seen their stock prices plummet over 60% in the past five years, highlighting the strong performance of Chinese brands and the threat they pose to the European automotive industry.
- Employment and Ethical Challenges: Volkswagen plans to cut approximately 35,000 jobs by 2030, and while collaboration with Israeli defense firm Rafael may preserve some positions, unions warn that the significant differences in production models between the defense and automotive sectors make it unrealistic to resolve the structural issues facing the auto industry.
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Impact of Trump's Tariffs One Year Later
- Widespread Tariff Impact: Trump's tariff policies have placed significant economic pressure on U.S. businesses over the past year, with approximately 80% to 85% of costs absorbed by companies, leading to reduced profits and increased consumer prices, thereby exacerbating overall economic uncertainty.
- Retail Sector Adaptation: While large retailers like Walmart have emerged relatively unscathed, smaller businesses have been severely impacted, with Home Depot aiming to limit purchases from any single country to 10% to reduce dependency and enhance supply chain flexibility.
- Automotive Industry Cost Surge: Automakers such as General Motors and Toyota are facing tariff impacts estimated at up to $9.5 billion, and although the Trump administration has taken steps to alleviate overlapping tariffs, overall costs remain significant, forcing companies to reassess their supply chain strategies.
- Pharmaceutical Sector Stability: Pharmaceutical companies have secured three-year tariff exemptions through pricing agreements with Trump, although new tariffs impose 100% on companies that do not reach agreements, the overall industry is still striving to increase investments in U.S. manufacturing.
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Leapmotor Delivers Over 110,000 Vehicles in Q1
- Delivery Growth: Leapmotor delivered 110,155 new energy vehicles in Q1 2025, marking a nearly 26% year-over-year increase and exceeding 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive quarter, demonstrating strong performance in a competitive market.
- Market Competition: While BYD remains the market leader with 688,993 cars sold in Q1, its sales dropped 30% year-over-year, reflecting the sluggishness of the Chinese automotive market and intensifying competition.
- Export Target Setting: Leapmotor aims to sell 1 million cars in China this year, with an export target of 100,000 to 150,000 units, and although it does not disclose overseas sales figures, its domestic performance has outpaced most rivals.
- Global Expansion Strategy: Leapmotor's partnership with Stellantis is enhancing its global market presence, with over 800 sales and service outlets in Europe by the end of 2025 and the establishment of its first overseas innovation center in Munich, Germany, showcasing its commitment and capability for internationalization.
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Middle East Crisis Fuels Electric Vehicle Demand Surge
- Surge in EV Interest: Since the onset of the Iran war, inquiries for new electric vehicles in the U.S. have surged by 28%, while used EV inquiries rose by 15%, indicating a significant consumer shift towards EVs, even as traditional automakers pivot back to internal combustion engines.
- Fuel Prices Impact Buying Behavior: Elevated gas prices have made electric vehicles more appealing for long-distance drivers; however, Cox Automotive anticipates that consumer buying habits will require over six months of sustained high gas prices to change significantly, highlighting the slow pace of market transition.
- Decline in EV Sales: Despite increased inquiries, Cox forecasts a 28% drop in U.S. EV sales for the first quarter, down to 212,600 units, reflecting limited market acceptance of electric vehicles amidst shifting consumer preferences.
- Global Market Transformation: The energy shock from the Iran war is expected to accelerate EV adoption in Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, where consumers are increasingly inclined to choose affordable models from Chinese manufacturers.
See More
Iran War Expected to Boost EV Demand Gradually
- Surge in Consumer Interest: Since the onset of the Iran war, car-selling platforms in the U.S. and Europe have reported a significant increase in inquiries for electric vehicles (EVs), with Autotrader noting a 28% rise in new EV inquiries and a 15% increase in used EV inquiries, indicating a growing consumer focus on EVs despite traditional automakers adjusting their strategies.
- Impact of Oil Prices: The sharp rise in oil prices has made owning a battery electric vehicle (BEV) more appealing for high-mileage drivers, with analysts suggesting that while the shift to EVs will be gradual, heightened oil prices and energy security concerns are likely to provide mid-term support for BEV demand, potentially encouraging consumers to abandon internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
- Sales Forecasts: Despite the rising consumer interest in EVs, Cox Automotive forecasts that U.S. EV sales will decline by 28% in the first quarter to 212,600 units, indicating that high gas prices have not immediately translated into increased EV sales, while sales of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, are expected to rise, accounting for 26% of new vehicle sales.
- Accelerated Global Transition: The energy shock from the Iran war is expected to facilitate a faster transition to EVs in Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, where affordable models from Chinese manufacturers are likely to drive a quicker shift away from fossil fuel dependency.
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- EV Collaboration Talks: Stellantis is in early discussions with China's Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology to produce electric vehicles, aiming to leverage Leapmotor's low-cost EV platforms to enhance competitiveness in the North American market.
- Policy Support Context: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's agreement with President Xi Jinping to reduce tariffs on Chinese-made EVs indicates the Canadian government's openness to joint ventures with trusted Chinese partners, fostering a conducive environment for investment.
- Equity Investment: Stellantis acquired approximately a 20% stake in Leapmotor for about €1.5 billion, which not only strengthens the partnership but also provides Stellantis with crucial funding to expand its presence in the electric vehicle sector.
- Strategic Market Implications: Despite past warnings from the Trump administration about potential retaliation, the ongoing collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor reflects the growing momentum of Chinese EV manufacturers in the Americas, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the North American electric vehicle market.
See More
European Auto Industry Shifts to Defense Manufacturing Amid Crisis
- Crisis Deepens: The European automotive industry is experiencing a structural crisis characterized by slowing electric vehicle demand, lost market share to Chinese competitors, and rising borrowing costs, leading to sales volumes significantly below pre-pandemic levels, which adversely affects profitability and market confidence.
- Shift to Defense Manufacturing: Renault's announcement to develop ground-based drones and its partnership with defense group Turgis Gaillard for aerial drones indicate a strategic pivot by automakers seeking diversification in response to market challenges, aiming to leverage growth opportunities in the defense sector to alleviate current difficulties.
- Intensifying Market Competition: According to ACEA data, BYD reported a staggering 175% year-on-year increase in new car sales, reaching 13,982 units, while European automakers like Volkswagen have seen their stock prices plummet over 60% in the past five years, highlighting the strong performance of Chinese brands and the threat they pose to the European automotive industry.
- Employment and Ethical Challenges: Volkswagen plans to cut approximately 35,000 jobs by 2030, and while collaboration with Israeli defense firm Rafael may preserve some positions, unions warn that the significant differences in production models between the defense and automotive sectors make it unrealistic to resolve the structural issues facing the auto industry.
See More
Impact of Trump's Tariffs One Year Later
- Widespread Tariff Impact: Trump's tariff policies have placed significant economic pressure on U.S. businesses over the past year, with approximately 80% to 85% of costs absorbed by companies, leading to reduced profits and increased consumer prices, thereby exacerbating overall economic uncertainty.
- Retail Sector Adaptation: While large retailers like Walmart have emerged relatively unscathed, smaller businesses have been severely impacted, with Home Depot aiming to limit purchases from any single country to 10% to reduce dependency and enhance supply chain flexibility.
- Automotive Industry Cost Surge: Automakers such as General Motors and Toyota are facing tariff impacts estimated at up to $9.5 billion, and although the Trump administration has taken steps to alleviate overlapping tariffs, overall costs remain significant, forcing companies to reassess their supply chain strategies.
- Pharmaceutical Sector Stability: Pharmaceutical companies have secured three-year tariff exemptions through pricing agreements with Trump, although new tariffs impose 100% on companies that do not reach agreements, the overall industry is still striving to increase investments in U.S. manufacturing.
See More
Leapmotor Delivers Over 110,000 Vehicles in Q1
- Delivery Growth: Leapmotor delivered 110,155 new energy vehicles in Q1 2025, marking a nearly 26% year-over-year increase and exceeding 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive quarter, demonstrating strong performance in a competitive market.
- Market Competition: While BYD remains the market leader with 688,993 cars sold in Q1, its sales dropped 30% year-over-year, reflecting the sluggishness of the Chinese automotive market and intensifying competition.
- Export Target Setting: Leapmotor aims to sell 1 million cars in China this year, with an export target of 100,000 to 150,000 units, and although it does not disclose overseas sales figures, its domestic performance has outpaced most rivals.
- Global Expansion Strategy: Leapmotor's partnership with Stellantis is enhancing its global market presence, with over 800 sales and service outlets in Europe by the end of 2025 and the establishment of its first overseas innovation center in Munich, Germany, showcasing its commitment and capability for internationalization.
See More
Middle East Crisis Fuels Electric Vehicle Demand Surge
- Surge in EV Interest: Since the onset of the Iran war, inquiries for new electric vehicles in the U.S. have surged by 28%, while used EV inquiries rose by 15%, indicating a significant consumer shift towards EVs, even as traditional automakers pivot back to internal combustion engines.
- Fuel Prices Impact Buying Behavior: Elevated gas prices have made electric vehicles more appealing for long-distance drivers; however, Cox Automotive anticipates that consumer buying habits will require over six months of sustained high gas prices to change significantly, highlighting the slow pace of market transition.
- Decline in EV Sales: Despite increased inquiries, Cox forecasts a 28% drop in U.S. EV sales for the first quarter, down to 212,600 units, reflecting limited market acceptance of electric vehicles amidst shifting consumer preferences.
- Global Market Transformation: The energy shock from the Iran war is expected to accelerate EV adoption in Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, where consumers are increasingly inclined to choose affordable models from Chinese manufacturers.
See More
Iran War Expected to Boost EV Demand Gradually
- Surge in Consumer Interest: Since the onset of the Iran war, car-selling platforms in the U.S. and Europe have reported a significant increase in inquiries for electric vehicles (EVs), with Autotrader noting a 28% rise in new EV inquiries and a 15% increase in used EV inquiries, indicating a growing consumer focus on EVs despite traditional automakers adjusting their strategies.
- Impact of Oil Prices: The sharp rise in oil prices has made owning a battery electric vehicle (BEV) more appealing for high-mileage drivers, with analysts suggesting that while the shift to EVs will be gradual, heightened oil prices and energy security concerns are likely to provide mid-term support for BEV demand, potentially encouraging consumers to abandon internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
- Sales Forecasts: Despite the rising consumer interest in EVs, Cox Automotive forecasts that U.S. EV sales will decline by 28% in the first quarter to 212,600 units, indicating that high gas prices have not immediately translated into increased EV sales, while sales of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, are expected to rise, accounting for 26% of new vehicle sales.
- Accelerated Global Transition: The energy shock from the Iran war is expected to facilitate a faster transition to EVs in Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, where affordable models from Chinese manufacturers are likely to drive a quicker shift away from fossil fuel dependency.
See More
Stellantis in Talks for EV Joint Venture with Leapmotor in Canada
- EV Collaboration Talks: Stellantis is in early discussions with China's Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology to produce electric vehicles, aiming to leverage Leapmotor's low-cost EV platforms to enhance competitiveness in the North American market.
- Policy Support Context: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's agreement with President Xi Jinping to reduce tariffs on Chinese-made EVs indicates the Canadian government's openness to joint ventures with trusted Chinese partners, fostering a conducive environment for investment.
- Equity Investment: Stellantis acquired approximately a 20% stake in Leapmotor for about €1.5 billion, which not only strengthens the partnership but also provides Stellantis with crucial funding to expand its presence in the electric vehicle sector.
- Strategic Market Implications: Despite past warnings from the Trump administration about potential retaliation, the ongoing collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor reflects the growing momentum of Chinese EV manufacturers in the Americas, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the North American electric vehicle market.
See More
