Chrysler, founded by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, is a quintessential American automotive brand known for its innovations in engineering, design, and overall car performance. Over its history, Chrysler has experienced several ownership changes, including mergers with Daimler-Benz and Fiat, that have taken ownership and control out of the U.S.
So, who owns Chrysler now? With all the ownership changes over its history, it can get confusing.
Overview
Who is the owner of Chrysler?
Over the years, Chrysler has undergone several ownership changes, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the automotive industry. Today, Stellantis N.V. (STLA 0.39%) owns Chrysler. Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French automaker Groupe PSA.
Stellantis was established in January 2021, resulting from the merger between FCA and Groupe PSA. The merger created one of the world's largest and most diversified automotive companies, with a broad portfolio of brands and a solid presence in various markets.
Stellantis N.V. is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Euronext Paris, and the Borsa Italiana in Milan. While Chrysler makes money in the production of vehicles, Stellantis has its hands in all things automotive, from technology that powers electric cars to auto parts. The share structure at Sellantis works as follows.
Largest shareholders
Who are the largest shareholders?
Stellantis has two types of shares: common shares that are available to the public through stock exchanges and special voting shares. The structure allows major stakeholders to wield significant voting power and influence over the company's decisions. It's commonly found when companies seek capital, while founders or key investors aim to retain control.
Ordinary shares (STLA)
These shares are publicly traded on several stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker STLA, along with Euronext Paris and Borsa Italiana in Milan. Each ordinary share carries voting rights, allowing the shareholder to vote at the company's general meetings and receive dividends distributed by Stellantis. These shares are accessible to retail and institutional investors.
Special voting shares
Special voting shares aren't publicly traded and are held by certain long-term shareholders to provide additional voting power. This arrangement allows these shareholders to exert greater influence over corporate decisions and strategic directions.
Key holders of Stellantis' special voting shares are part of a loyalty voting structure designed to reward long-term shareholders with additional voting rights, enhancing their influence on company decisions. Key holders of these special voting shares include Peugeot 1810 and Exor N.V.
Individuals
John Elkann: As the chairman of Stellantis and CEO of Exor N.V., John Elkann holds substantial influence within the company. He manages the Agnelli family's stake through Exor. Exor, the investment company controlled by the Agnelli family, holds a 14.2% economic interest and 23.2% of the voting rights in Stellantis.
Robert Peugeot: Representing the Peugeot family, Robert Peugeot holds a significant stake and plays a crucial role in the governance of Stellantis. The Peugeot family, through their investment company Peugeot 1810, owns a 7.44% stake in Stellantis, translating to substantial voting influence.
Institutional Investors
Bpifrance Participations: The French state investment bank holds a 6.39% stake in Stellantis, ensuring significant influence from the French government.
Peugeot 1810: The investment vehicle for the Peugeot family, holding a 7.44% stake, thus maintaining their historical influence over the company.
Vanguard Group: One of the largest asset management companies globally, Vanguard Group owns approximately 2.78% of Stellantis, reflecting significant investment through various index funds and ETFs.
BlackRock (NYSE:BLK): Another leading global asset manager, BlackRock, holds around 2.5% of Stellantis, underscoring its influence through widespread investments across its managed funds.
Board of directors
Board of directors
Stellantis' board of directors includes leaders from both FCA and Groupe PSA. Key members include:
| NAME | ROLE | SHAREHOLDER % | BOARD TENURE | PROFILE |
NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Elkann | Chairman | 14.2% (through Exor) | Since January 2021 | CEO of Exor N.V. |
Led Fiat's acquisition of Chrysler; oversaw creation of Stellantis |
| Carlos Tavares | CEO | Not specified | Since January 2021 | Former CEO of Groupe PSA |
Spearheaded the merger between FCA and PSA to form Stellantis |
| Robert Peugeot | Board member | 7.44% (through Peugeot 1810) | Since January 2021 | Represents Peugeot family interests |
Maintains historical influence over the company |
| Henri de Castries | Lead Independent director | Not specified | Since January 2021 | Former CEO of AXA | Expertise in insurance and finance |
| Fiona Clare Cicconi | Non-executive director | Not specified | Since January 2021 | Chief People Officer at Google |
Extensive experience in global HR management |
| Nicolas Dufourcq | Non-executive director | Not specified | Since January 2021 | CEO of Bpifrance |
Led creation of Wanadoo, former CFO of Capgemini |
| Ann Frances Godbehere | Non-executive director | Not specified | Since January 2021 | Former CFO of Swiss Re |
Extensive experience in finance and insurance |
How to invest
How to invest in Chrysler
Investing in Chrysler is effectively done by investing in Stellantis N.V., the parent company. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open a brokerage account
Choose a reliable brokerage and open an account to buy stock in Stellantis. that offers access to international markets and open an account. You can buy shares through the New York Stock Exchange. If your brokerage provides access to international markets, you could also buy shares through Euronext Paris or Borsa Italiana.
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Step 2: Decide your budget
Determine the amount of capital you are willing to invest in Stellantis. Consider your risk tolerance and investment goals before making your budget.
Step 3: Do your research
Analyze Stellantis' financial statements, market position, and industry trends. Understanding the macroeconomic factors affecting the automotive industry will help in making an informed decision.
Step 4: Place an order
Once your brokerage account is set up and you have completed your research, place an order to buy Stellantis shares by entering the ticker STLA. You can also invest through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that include Stellantis as part of their holdings.
FAQ
Who owns Chrysler FAQ
Who is the current owner of Chrysler?
Chrysler is currently owned by Stellantis N.V., a multinational automotive corporation formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French automaker Groupe PSA.
Is Chrysler still American-owned?
While Chrysler is an iconic American brand, it is no longer American-owned. Chrysler is part of Stellantis, a global automotive conglomerate headquartered in the Netherlands. This means Chrysler's ownership and management are international, not specifically American.
Who is owned by Stellantis?
Chrysler is currently owned by Stellantis N.V., a multinational automotive corporation formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French automaker Groupe PSA.
Are Chrysler and GM the same company?
No, Chrysler and General Motors (GM) are not the same company. They are two separate entities in the automotive industry. Chrysler is part of Stellantis, while GM is an independent American automotive company that produces brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
