Automotive
The auto industry isn’t short on headlines today, and two major players are making waves—Stellantis and Nissan—both facing serious challenges, but each with a plan to fight through the headwinds.
Stellantis took the spotlight this Monday with CEO Antonio Filosa stepping out early with a financial reality check. In what appeared to be a strategic move, Filosa revealed a $2.7 billion net loss for the first half of 2025 ahead of the company’s full earnings report expected July 29. The disclosure may sound like a blow, but Wall Street seemed oddly encouraged. Shares of Stellantis climbed by midday, signaling that investors might see the bad news as a clearing of the decks for a more stable second half.
Filosa, who only took the reins in late June, didn’t sugarcoat the situation. In a letter to employees, he described the past six months as “tough,” blaming rising tariffs, unfavorable currency shifts, and a shaky global economy. Still, he struck a cautiously optimistic tone, noting that there’s been “meaningful progress” compared to the tail end of 2024. New product launches and a sharper focus on trimming underperforming programs are part of the effort to right the ship.
Industry analysts aren’t dismissing the red ink, but many believe the damage was already priced in. Jefferies called the numbers “worse than consensus,” but not surprising. Bernstein went further, saying Stellantis is showing signs of making bold and necessary moves. One Bloomberg Intelligence analyst even suggested that Filosa may be employing the classic “kitchen sink” strategy—airing out all the bad news now to create a low base for future growth.
What’s clear is that Filosa has bought himself some time. The next six months will be critical as he works to regain momentum and restore investor confidence, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding global trade policy, a shaky North American sales environment, and intensifying pressure around EV adoption.
Meanwhile, Nissan is making its own set of tough decisions. Facing global cost pressures and a shifting production landscape, the Japanese automaker is expected to close its long-standing Civac plant in Mexico by March 2027. The factory has been operational for nearly 60 years, making it one of Nissan’s most historic facilities. Sources close to the matter suggest this is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.
Nissan is also reportedly winding down its COMPAS joint venture with Mercedes-Benz. Located in Aguascalientes, the facility produced crossovers for both brands, but with production wrapping up early next year, the partnership looks to be heading for a quiet conclusion.
Both automakers are dealing with similar themes—tightening margins, restructuring moves, and strategic pivots in response to the global EV transition and supply chain volatility. But while Nissan is scaling back, Stellantis appears to be doubling down on restructuring and product innovation.
In an industry where uncertainty is the only constant, both Stellantis and Nissan are making it clear: survival and success require uncomfortable decisions and the courage to act early. We’ll be watching closely as the second half of 2025 unfolds.
FOLLOW US TODAY:
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
