Stellantis has officially kicked off 2026 with a noticeably stronger performance compared to the same time last year. After a challenging 2025, the global automaker is now showing early signs that its recovery strategy is beginning to take hold. The company reported first-quarter (Q1) net revenues of €38.1 billion (approximately $41.2 billion USD), marking a 6% increase year-over-year. That growth was largely driven by stronger vehicle shipments and improved performance across most global regions.
More importantly, Stellantis returned to profitability. Net profit came in at €0.4 billion (about $430 million USD), a significant improvement compared to a net loss during Q1 2025. Adjusted operating income reached €1.0 billion (roughly $1.08 billion USD), with an operating margin of 2.5%. While that margin still sits on the lower end for a global automaker, it represents a clear step forward from the 0.9% margin posted a year ago.
From a volume standpoint, the company shipped 1.361 million vehicles globally, up 12% compared to Q1 2025. That increase in shipments reflects better production execution, improved inventory flow, and stronger consumer demand in key markets.
North America: The Clear Bright Spot
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
North America once again proved to be Stellantis’ most important region—and the biggest driver of its improvement.
Sales in the region increased 6% compared to Q1 2025, with notable gains across all three major markets:
United States: +4%
Canada: +15%
Mexico: +19%
Even more impressive, Stellantis managed to grow while the overall U.S. industry declined by 6% during the same period. That allowed the company to increase its market share to 7.9%, up 80 basis points year-over-year.
Ram played a major role in this success. U.S. sales for the brand jumped approximately 20%, making it the fastest-growing brand in Stellantis’ North American portfolio. Jeep® also contributed to the momentum with several key models, including the all-new Cherokee (KM) and refreshed Grand Cherokee (WL) lineup.
From a financial standpoint, North America generated €16.1 billion ($17.4 billion USD) in revenue, up €1.6 billion from last year. Adjusted operating income swung back into positive territory at €263 million ($284 million USD), compared to a loss in Q1 2025. The region’s operating margin improved to 1.6%, marking a major turnaround.
Shipment volumes in North America rose 17% to 379,000 units, reflecting stronger demand and improved production output.
Europe: Growth With Mixed Profitability
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
Stellantis’ Enlarged Europe region also posted gains, though the profitability picture was more complicated.
Sales increased 5% year-over-year, or 8% when including Leapmotor contributions. The company outperformed the broader European market, which saw only modest growth. Market share climbed to 17.5% across the EU30 region, and even higher when including Leapmotor.
Revenue for the region reached €14.4 billion ($15.6 billion USD), up slightly from last year. Shipment volumes climbed 12% to 637,000 units, driven by strong performance from models like the Citroën C3, Opel/Vauxhall Frontera, and Fiat Grande Panda.
However, adjusted operating income dropped sharply to just €8 million ($8.6 million USD), down from €292 million in Q1 2025. The operating margin fell to just 0.1%.
The decline was largely due to pricing pressure, an unfavorable mix of vehicles, and higher selling and administrative costs needed to support sales growth. While volume gains are encouraging, profitability remains a key challenge in this region.
South America: Still Leading, But Under Pressure
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
In South America, Stellantis continues to hold its position as the market leader, even as profitability declines.
The company maintained a 21.1% market share, with dominant positions in Brazil and Argentina—both sitting at 28.9%. Sales increased slightly, up 1% overall, with shipments rising 4% to 219,000 units.
Revenue reached €2.4 billion ($2.6 billion USD), up €100 million from last year. However, adjusted operating income fell to €282 million ($305 million USD), down €94 million year-over-year. The operating margin dropped significantly to 11.8%.
The decline was primarily driven by higher costs and unfavorable product mix, despite the increase in volume. Still, South America remains one of Stellantis’ most profitable regions overall.
Middle East & Africa: Stable Performance
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
The Middle East & Africa region delivered a steady performance despite a challenging market environment.
Sales remained essentially flat, even as the broader industry declined by 4%. Stellantis actually increased its market share to 11.5%, thanks to strong growth in markets like Algeria and Türkiye.
Shipment volumes rose 11% to 111,000 units, while revenue came in at €3.6 billion ($3.9 billion USD). Adjusted operating income was €393 million ($425 million USD), slightly down from last year.
The region maintained a strong operating margin of 10.8%, making it one of the more profitable areas for the company.
Asia Pacific: A Tough Quarter
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
Asia Pacific remains a challenging region for Stellantis.
Sales declined 4%, reflecting a weaker overall market environment. Revenue dropped 10% to €435 million ($470 million USD), and adjusted operating losses widened to €30 million ($32 million USD).
Despite the decline, there were some bright spots. India posted a 71% increase in sales, driven by a refreshed Citroën lineup. However, those gains weren’t enough to offset broader challenges across the region.
Product Momentum And Future Outlook
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
Looking ahead, Stellantis is betting heavily on its product pipeline to maintain this momentum.
The company plans to launch 10 new vehicles and refresh 6 more during 2026. Combined with strong reception to its 2025 launches, Stellantis believes this will continue driving growth across its global portfolio.
In North America, key models like the new Dodge Charger SIXPACK and refreshed Jeep lineup are already making an impact in showrooms. Meanwhile, Europe is seeing growth from its mix of ICE, hybrid, and EV offerings, including new entries like the Fiat Grande Panda.
The company also confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, which includes:
Mid-single-digit revenue growth
Low-single-digit operating margins
Improved industrial free cash flow
Stellantis expects to return to positive free cash flow by 2027, signaling confidence in its long-term recovery strategy.
Leadership Perspective
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa emphasized the importance of these early gains and the company’s ongoing transformation:
“As we initiate quarterly reporting, the first three months of 2026 reflect the early results of our actions to return Stellantis to sustainable, profitable growth. The products we launched in 2025 have been well received and we’re confident that the 10 new vehicles planned for 2026 will build on this momentum. Our priority is clear: to put our customers back at the center of everything we do and we look forward to sharing more on this at our Investor Day on May 21 in Auburn Hills.“
The Bottom Line
Stellantis Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Presentation. (Stellantis).
Stellantis’ Q1 2026 results show a company that is clearly moving in the right direction—but still has work to do.
North America is carrying much of the weight, with strong sales growth and improved profitability. Europe is gaining ground in volume but struggling with margins, while South America and the Middle East remain solid contributors. Asia Pacific continues to be a weak spot.
The improved financial performance, stronger balance sheet, and upcoming product launches all point toward a more stable future. But with margins still relatively low and cash flow not yet positive, Stellantis’ turnaround is still in its early stages.
If the company can maintain momentum through the rest of 2026—especially with its upcoming vehicle launches—it could be setting the stage for a much stronger 2027.
You can download the presentation slides for the Q1 2026 results, by CLICKING HERE:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on initial reports and available data at the time of publication. Details, figures, and statements may be updated or revised as additional information becomes available.
Like this:
Like Loading…