Stellantis, under its FCA US LLC division, reported a mix of outcomes in its 2023 vehicle sales. The company saw total sales of 343,552 vehicles in the fourth quarter and 1,527,090 vehicles for the full year. While these figures represent a modest 1-percent decline in both quarterly and annual sales compared to the previous year, there was a notable increase of 20 percent increase in the company’s commercial fleet channel, marking its best year in this segment.
Strong PHEV Growth
A significant highlight of the year was the surge in sales of Stellantis’ plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Models like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Dodge Hornet R/T, and Alfa Romeo Tonale saw a dramatic increase of 124 percent in annual sales and 118 percent in the fourth quarter. This surge positioned the Jeep Wrangler 4xe as America’s best-selling PHEV, followed by the Grand Cherokee 4xe, and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Collectively, FCA US claims the highest PHEV market share in the industry at 47 percent, underlining Stellantis’ strong position in the PHEV market and its plans to achieve a 50 percent sales mix of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States by the end of this decade.
Jeff Kommor, U.S. Head of Sales, expressed confidence in the company’s momentum heading into 2024. He emphasized the expansion of their electrified offerings, including the launch of new models like the Dodge Hornet R/T and Alfa Romeo Tonale in 2023. Further, Stellantis is set to introduce its first BEVs in the North American market this year, including the Jeep Recon, Fiat 500e, Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona, and the Ram 1500 REV.
Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat
The Alfa Romeo brand experienced a 9 percent increase in its U.S. sales in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the introduction of its first electrified vehicle, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Chrysler’s U.S. sales also saw a rise of 19 percent, with the Pacifica model showing a 22 percent increase and the Pacifica Hybrid accounting for a significant portion of its total sales.
Dodge reported a 5 percent increase in overall U.S. sales for 2023, with the Durango model growing by 25 percent. The brand also launched the all-new Dodge Hornet G/T and R/T, marking Dodge’s first foray into electrified vehicles. The Hornet R/T accounted for a substantial portion of total Hornet sales.
Notably, Fiat is also embracing electrification, as evidenced by the introduction of the fully electric FIAT 500e to North America, aiming to further Stellantis’ sustainable mobility mission.
Jeep and Ram Sales
Jeep’s sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 7 percent, driven by the success of the Wrangler 4xe and the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the top two selling PHEVs in the country. The Jeep Compass and Renegade also saw significant sales increases. Jeep’s electrification strategy continues with the planned debut of the fully electric Jeep Recon in 2024.
The Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer models continue to gain sales momentum, with both experiencing sales increases in the fourth quarter. The fully electric Wagoneer S is set to debut alongside the Jeep Recon.
Ram brand saw a 3 percent increase in fourth-quarter U.S. sales, with the Ram pickup truck and the Ram ProMaster van showing strong growth. The Ram brand also achieved its best year in the U.S. commercial fleet channel.
Stellantis Now and in the Future
In summary, Stellantis’ 2023 sales figures indicate a shift towards embracing electrification while maintaining a presence in traditional vehicle segments. The company experienced varied sales results, with particular growth in its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) range and some traditional models. The introduction of new electric models suggests Stellantis is adapting to changes in the automotive industry. This balance of expanding into new electric vehicle technologies while retaining its foothold in conventional segments points to an ongoing adjustment in its business strategy.
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