Vauxhall owner Stellantis to make 'tough decisions' months after closing Luton factory and axing 1,100 jobs

Financial results from the manufacturing giant included a net loss of €2.3billion (£1.9billion) and a year-on-year decline in North America and Europe.

Antonio Filosa, who has only been CEO of Stellantis for a matter of weeks, said he has a "strong conviction" that he would be able to fix the brand's problems.

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He outlined that this would start with "strength, energy and ideas of our people", in addition to "great new products" being introduced to the market.

However, he issued an honest assessment of the brand, saying: "2025 is turning out to be a tough year, but also one of gradual improvement.

"Signs of progress are evident when comparing H1 2025 to H2 2024, in the form of improved volumes, net revenues, and AOI, despite intensifying external headwinds.

"Our new leadership team, while realistic about the challenges, will continue making the tough decisions needed to re-establish profitable growth and significantly improved results."

READ MORE: Vauxhall's Luton plant receives huge update after Stellantis closed factory and put 1,100 jobs at risk

Stellantis said it expected "continued sequential improvement" in the second half of the year as the global market recovers from the immediate impact of President Donald Trump's auto tariffs.

As part of its commercial recovery, Stellantis launched four new models in the first half of the year, notably the Citroen C3 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, Opel/Vauxhall Frontera, and the Ram ProMaster Cargo BEV.

Major updates were also unveiled to some of its most popular vehicles, including the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty, Citroen C4/C4X and Opel Mokka.

Cost-cutting measures and streamlining efforts have also contributed to Stellantis axing its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle development.

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The brand, which has its headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, said there was limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, in addition to the need for incentives to help people switch.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO at Stellantis for Enlarged Europe, said: "The hydrogen market remains a niche segment, with no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability."

Stellantis operates many of the world's most popular car brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

Last year, Stellantis announced a £50million plan to boost its Ellesmere Port plant, which meant the closure of its Luton factory and the loss of 1,100 jobs.

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The manufacturer said it was consolidating its UK manufacturing footprint by prioritising Ellesmere Port as the nation's EV-only volume factory.

This meant that the existing production of small electric light commercial vehicles would be moved from Luton to Ellesmere Port.

A spokesperson for Stellantis told GB News: "The required consultation period with Unite the Union, which has been detailed and constructive, has now finished and we are engaging with all interested parties to ensure that the employees have the best possible advice for their future.

"Production will cease in Luton in Q2 2025, with a period of transforming and transferring machinery and process knowledge to Ellesmere Port.

"Production of the group's medium all-electric LCV range (eK0) in Ellesmere Port will commence in Q4 2026."