Key Highlights
- The global automaker delivered approximately 1.36 million vehicles worldwide during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 12% year-over-year increase.
- North American deliveries surged 17%, powered by strong demand for the Ram light-duty truck, updated Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and newly launched Jeep Cherokee.
- European markets contributed significant volume growth of 12%, supported by fresh product introductions such as the Citroën C3, Opel Frontera, and Fiat Grande Panda.
- Deliveries of Leapmotor vehicles in Europe increased more than 100% to approximately 27,000 units.
- Gulf Cooperation Council region experienced a sharp decline of over 50% to roughly 3,000 units due to disruptions from the Iran conflict.
The automotive giant delivered encouraging first-quarter shipment figures on Wednesday, triggering a positive market reaction with shares advancing over 4% during Paris trading hours.
The company reported that worldwide vehicle deliveries increased 12% compared to the prior year period, reaching approximately 1.36 million units during the January through March timeframe. These figures represent a continuation of momentum that emerged during the latter half of 2025, after weathering a challenging period that produced a €22.3 billion net loss.
Chief Executive Antonio Filosa, who assumed leadership last year, has prioritized market share recovery as his primary objective. The executive is scheduled to present a comprehensive industrial strategy on May 21.
The North American region delivered exceptional performance. Regional shipments climbed 17% to 379,000 vehicles, representing an increase of approximately 54,000 units versus the comparable quarter. Key contributors included the V8-equipped Ram light-duty truck, the redesigned Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the introduction of the latest Jeep Cherokee model.
European Market Strength and Fresh Product Launches
The European continent also demonstrated robust performance, with deliveries advancing 12% to 637,000 vehicles, an improvement of roughly 69,000 units year-over-year. A series of new product introductions provided substantial support, featuring the Citroën C3, Citroën C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera, and Fiat Grande Panda.
Leapmotor-branded vehicles delivered exceptional results across the European market. Deliveries more than doubled, reaching approximately 27,000 units. The automotive group maintains a 20% ownership position in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer and operates a joint venture for distributing and producing Leapmotor vehicles in markets outside China.
South American markets, representing the organization’s third-largest territory, recorded shipment growth of 4% to 219,000 vehicles. The Asia Pacific region expanded 15% to 15,000 units, while the Middle East and Africa territory increased 11% to 111,000 vehicles.
GCC Region Faces Significant Decline Due to Regional Conflict
A notable weakness emerged in the Gulf Cooperation Council markets. Regional deliveries plummeted by more than 50% to approximately 3,000 vehicles. The automaker cited disruption stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict, which has negatively impacted consumer demand throughout the territory.
While this represents a stark decline, it accounts for a relatively minor portion of overall volume given the manufacturer’s extensive global footprint.
The first-quarter figures represent shipment data exclusively — Stellantis has yet to disclose first-quarter financial results including revenue or profitability. Market participants will closely monitor the May 21 presentation, when Filosa is anticipated to outline the organization’s complete strategic roadmap.
The 4% stock appreciation in Paris trading Wednesday demonstrates investors’ favorable interpretation of the shipment recovery, as the automaker advances its transformation under fresh executive leadership.
