Electric Cars

A new entrant in the automotive world, Afeela, a collaborative effort between technology giant Sony and automotive powerhouse Honda, recently unveiled its electric SUV prototype. This vehicle, developed under their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility, made its debut at CES in Las Vegas, setting the stage for a potential market launch in the United States by 2028. This move signifies Afeela's second major vehicle concept, following the introduction of its Afeela 1 sedan, as the company pushes forward with its aspirations in the high-end electric vehicle sector.

The Afeela SUV prototype distinguishes itself with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, prioritizing smooth contours and understated design elements. Its profile leans more towards a lifted sedan than a conventional SUV, reminiscent of certain luxury crossover concepts but with a more refined appearance. This design philosophy aligns with the earlier Vision-S 02 concept showcased by Sony in 2022, maintaining a consistent brand identity across its burgeoning EV lineup. The vehicle eschews visible door handles and sharp creases, contributing to its streamlined and contemporary look.

While specific technical details remain largely under wraps, insights into the preceding Vision-S 02 concept provide a glimpse into the potential dimensions and weight of the production SUV. That concept measured approximately 192.7 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 65 inches in height, featuring a substantial 119.3-inch wheelbase and a weight of around 5,467 pounds, riding on 20-inch wheels. Such specifications suggest a spacious and substantial vehicle, fitting its positioning within the premium segment.

Pricing information for the Afeela SUV is yet to be announced, given its projected launch several years in the future. However, the Afeela sedan provides a benchmark, with its base model starting at $89,900 and the top-tier variant reaching $102,900. This pricing strategy underscores Afeela's intent to compete in the luxury electric vehicle market. The sedan is also slated for a Japanese market release in early 2027, indicating a broader global strategy for the brand.

The joint venture between Sony and Honda brings a unique blend of technological innovation and automotive expertise to the electric vehicle landscape. Despite a recent slight downturn in US EV sales, Afeela is poised to navigate a competitive and evolving market. The partnership aims to capitalize on the strengths of both companies, offering vehicles that integrate advanced technology with reliable automotive engineering. The success of the Afeela SUV will largely depend on its ability to attract discerning buyers in a market that, while growing, is experiencing new challenges and shifts in consumer preferences.

Navigating a Shifting Market: Stellantis's U.S. Sales Performance in 2025

Stellantis's Overall Performance in the U.S. Market

Despite a year marked by various market pressures, Stellantis's total sales in the United States concluded with a three percent reduction. This dip resulted in 1,260,344 vehicle deliveries across all its brands, reflecting a mixed bag of performances, with certain segments experiencing more significant contractions than others.

Alfa Romeo's Steep Decline and Future Uncertainties

Alfa Romeo emerged as the brand most affected within the Stellantis portfolio in 2025, recording a substantial 36 percent decrease in shipments, totaling merely 5,652 units. The brand's established models, the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, both witnessed a 41 percent drop, while the more recent Tonale crossover experienced a 29 percent reduction. The future outlook for Alfa Romeo appears dim, given its sparse product development pipeline for the upcoming years.

Dodge Faces Significant Headwinds in Sales

Dodge also encountered a demanding year, with its deliveries shrinking by 28 percent to 101,927 vehicles. The long-standing Durango model served as a crucial pillar, with its sales increasing by 37 percent to 81,168 units, comprising nearly 80 percent of Dodge's total U.S. sales. However, the Hornet, Dodge's counterpart to the Tonale, saw a dramatic 54 percent fall in sales, delivering only 9,365 units. Production delays and tariff issues for the 2026 Hornet contributed to this poor performance, casting doubt on the effectiveness of any potential future updates.

Fiat's Diminishing Presence in the American Market

Fiat continued its struggles in the U.S., occupying the lowest position in Stellantis's sales charts with only 1,321 vehicles sold, a 14 percent decrease from the previous year. The brand's sole offering, the electric 500e city car, failed to generate significant demand, and the impending introduction of the even smaller Topolino is not expected to substantially alter Fiat's fortunes in North America.

Mixed Results for Other Stellantis Brands: Ram, Chrysler, and Jeep

Among other Stellantis brands, Ram experienced a minor two percent sales reduction, reaching 431,670 units. In contrast, both Chrysler and Jeep showed signs of resilience, each achieving a one percent increase in sales. Chrysler sold 126,373 units, while Jeep's sales climbed to 593,401 vehicles, demonstrating pockets of growth within the broader decline.

Detailed Sales Overview for Stellantis Brands in 2025

A comprehensive breakdown of Stellantis's 2025 sales in the U.S. reveals Alfa Romeo with 5,652 units (-36%), Dodge with 101,927 units (-28%), and Fiat with 1,321 units (-14%). On the positive side, Chrysler reported 126,373 units (+1%), and Jeep achieved 593,401 units (+1%), while Ram sold 431,670 units (-2%).

Industry Insights on Alfa Romeo's Strategic Re-evaluation

From an industry perspective, Alfa Romeo's U.S. sales performance raises concerns, especially with the extended timeline for future product launches. The decision to prolong the production of current Giulia and Stelvio models due to development delays for their successors underscores a strategic shift. Alfa Romeo has abandoned its initial ambition to become an exclusively electric brand, opting instead to continue offering internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, a move influenced by engineering challenges related to integrating ICE options into designs originally conceived as electric-only.

Outlook for Dodge's Future Models

Dodge anticipates a potentially improved 2026, spurred by the recent commencement of production for the Charger Sixpack. However, enthusiasts awaiting a new Durango will need to be patient, as the next-generation SUV is not slated for release until 2029.

The Continuing Challenges for Fiat in the U.S. Market

Fiat's market presence in the U.S. continues to diminish, with little indication of a significant turnaround in the near future. The forthcoming arrival of the Topolino model is unlikely to reverse the brand's declining trajectory in North America.

Chrysler's Path to Revitalization with New Product Development

Chrysler is in urgent need of fresh vehicle offerings, but the stability provided by its Pacifica and Voyager minivans offers a glimmer of hope. The establishment of its dedicated design studio signals a commitment to developing new models, potentially leading to the introduction of new products before the end of the decade and a revitalization of the brand.