The car manufacturer blames an ecosystem still emerging and imperfect due to “the limited availability of hydrogen supply infrastructure, the considerable investments required and the need for very high incentives for customers”. “The hydrogen market remains a niche segment, without perspectives of economic profitability in the medium term. We must make clear and responsible choices to guarantee our competitiveness and meet the expectations of our customers thanks to our electric and hybrid offer for both private vehicles and light utilities, “said Jean-Philippe Imparato, director of operations for extended Europe, in a press release.
On the industrial level, the manufacturer had nevertheless made investments to adapt its production lines to Hordain (in the North, for medium -sized utilities) and Gliwice, in Poland (for large utilities). While working on a new range of vehicles on its multi-energy platforms under the leadership of its former CEO Carlos Tavares, Stellantis will not market them. “This decision will have no impact on the workforce of Stellantis production sites. Hydrogen research and development activities will be redirected to other projects, ”tries to reassure Stellantis. This decision also concerns the United States, where the group worked for a hydrogen pick-up offer.
Express decision, surprise announcement
If many companies in the hydrogen sector encounter difficulties (like the liquidation of Hyvia, the Renault subsidiary dedicated to this technology), Stellantis’ decision is surprising. The manufacturer even took its associates, the equipment manufacturers forvia and Michelin. The three companies are shareholders equally in Symbio, a French manufacturer of fuel cell systems that operates a factory in Saint-Fons (Rhône).
Stellantis had entered the capital of the company in 2023, offering him solid sales prospects (his purchases had to count for 80% of turnover). But the manufacturer expressed its partners in May of its desire to no longer engage in investments in this technology from 2026. This announcement fell a few weeks before the commissioning in June of a new production. “He announced it to the tear,” laments a source close to the file.
Under these conditions, what future for the company that employs 650 people? Will Stellantis remain engaged in the company on the capital level? “Stellantis has initiated discussions with Symbio shareholders in order to assess the impacts of the current situation and to best preserve the interests of Symbio, while respecting the commitments of each party” “, indicates the multinational.
In an official declaration, the Tneumatician Michelin deplores “an unexpected, brutal and non -concerted decision all the more surprising as Stellantis has always displayed the ambition to be the pioneer of this new market”. And warns: “This reversal will have very severe operational and financial repercussions for Symbio”.
A new boss at the symbio bar
The fuel battery specialist has just changed the leader. At the end of his five-year term, his now ex-CEO, Philippe Rosier, left his function on July 9. “Aware of the evolution of the strategic landscape, Philippe Rosier and the board of directors jointly decided that a change of management was necessary,” said the company on the LinkedIn social network.
Philippe Rosier is replaced by Jean-Baptiste Lucas, the former boss of the McPhy electrolysis manufacturer, taken up by John Cockerill after his bankruptcy. This change in management “was active for a long time”, indicates a source close to the file, which pleads a “calendar chance” without direct link with the announcement of the disengagement of Stellantis.