Renault's Shares Shoot Up On Merger Rumor But Stellantis Pops The Bubble: 'There Are No Plans'

In a recent statement, Stellantis STLA Chairman John Elkann dismissed rumors of a potential merger with French automaker Renault RNSDF.

What Happened: Elkann, on Monday, refuted the ongoing speculation about a merger between Stellantis and Renault, reported Reuters.

“There are no plans being studied regarding mergers of Stellantis with other manufacturers,” Elkann said in a statement,” Elkann said, adding that the focus is on executing its long-term business plan.

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This response comes after the Italian daily Il Messaggero suggested that the French government, Renault’s major shareholder, was exploring a merger between the two groups.

Why It Matters: Stellantis’s denial of the merger plan comes at a time when the automotive industry faces significant challenges. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently cautioned against cost reductions, warning of potential acquisition risks. Tavares stressed the importance of maintaining profitability amidst price cuts in the industry.

On the other hand, Renault, amid a challenging stock market, postponed the IPO of its European EV and software arm, Ampere. The company decided to continue funding Ampere’s development until it reaches breakeven in 2025, citing its 2023 results as proof of its ability to generate sustainable cash flow for future operations.

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