Stellantis to Halt Four French Plants in October on Battery Shortage

Stellantis (STLA) will suspend production for five to fifteen days at four French plants in October 2026, citing insufficient battery supplies for long-range electric vehicles and soft demand. The Peugeot plant in Sochaux will halt operations from October 23 to 30. Rennes will shut from October 22 to 30, Mulhouse for 15 days from October 15 to 30, and Poissy from October 19 to 23. Stellantis said battery availability for long-range EV versions fell short of needs, and that supply capacity for parts has been exceeded despite strong business demand. The Mulhouse site will receive 400 million euros of the one-billion-euro French investment package announced in June, and will assemble three new models starting in 2029. The CGT union condemned the short-time working, urging reduced line speeds and worker retention instead. Poissy's stoppage is tied to stock management; EV production there ends by 2028.