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Stellantis Shuts Down Iconic French Plant, Ending Decades of Car Production

Paris, France — Stellantis, the global automotive giant with deep roots in Europe, has announced the end of passenger car production at its historic Poissy plant near Paris, effective January 1, 2027. The move marks the closure of an entire production segment after nearly 88 years of operation, reshaping the company’s manufacturing footprint and signaling a major shift in its strategic priorities.

The Poissy facility, which once employed 27,000 workers and produced nearly half a million vehicles annually at its peak in 1976, will cease assembling finished cars. Instead, the site will pivot to producing automotive components, including 3D-printed spare parts, and focus on services related to vehicle repair, and recycling. Stellantis has invested €100 million in the transformation, aiming to retain as many jobs as possible through retraining programs.

A Legacy Ends, A New Era Begins

The decision to halt car production at Poissy reflects Stellantis’ broader restructuring efforts across Europe, driven by excess capacity inherited from its 2021 merger with PSA Group. The plant, which once manufactured iconic models like the Simca and later the DS 3 and Opel Mokka—including their electric variants—will now serve as a technology and logistics hub.

“This is a significant moment for Stellantis,” said a company spokesperson. “While we are ending production of complete vehicles at Poissy, we are committed to ensuring the site remains a key part of our supply chain and innovation ecosystem.”

The closure underscores the challenges facing traditional automakers as they transition to electric vehicles and consolidate operations. Stellantis has already announced that the next-generation electric DS 3 E-Tense, slated for 2027, will be produced in Zaragoza, Spain, rather than Poissy. Industry analysts suggest that similar decisions may be made for other upcoming electric models from Opel.

Workforce and Industry Impact

The Poissy plant’s workforce has shrunk dramatically over the past half-century, from 27,000 employees in 1976 to just 1,600 today. Annual production has similarly plummeted, from 500,000 vehicles in its heyday to fewer than 70,000 in 2026—a stark reflection of shifting market dynamics.

Stellantis is exploring partnerships with Chinese automakers, including Dongfeng, Xiaomi, and Xpeng, to potentially lease or sell the facility’s production lines. Such a move would allow Chinese brands to bypass EU import tariffs and accelerate their expansion into Europe’s electric vehicle market.

For now, the focus remains on retraining workers to support the plant’s new role in component manufacturing and circular economy initiatives. The transition, however, marks the end of an era for one of France’s most storied automotive hubs.

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