Michelin warns of 'major Symbio impact' as Stellantis quits hydrogen mobility
17 Jul 2025
Share:
Exit will impact 80% of Symbio’s projected output, according to co-owners
Paris – Michelin has warned about the future of its hydrogen fuel-cell joint venture Symbio as automotive major Stellantis is planning to withdraw from hydrogen mobility activities in 2026.
In a 16 July statement, Michelin said Stellantis’ move will significantly impact Symbio, a JV formed between Michelin and Forvia, formerly Faurecia, in 2019. (ERJ report)
In May 2023, Stellantis joined as an equal shareholder, giving each partner a one third stake. (ERJ report)
Michelin said that Stellantis informed other partners in May of its intention to discontinue its hydrogen programmes.
The car maker is both a co-owner and main customer of Symbio, and accounts for around 80% of the fuel cell maker’s expected production volumes, said Michelin.
“Over the past two years, Symbio has aligned its investments, recruitment, and development roadmap with Stellantis's expressed needs for the next eight years,” said Michelin.
Furthermore, the technology and performance of Symbio's systems have been validated by all shareholders, including Stellantis teams.
More recently, the company was gearing up to provide hydrogen fuel cells for Stellantis vehicles under a new French government scheme focused on hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs), launched in April.
“Stellantis's decision will have irreversible operational and financial consequences for Symbio,” said the Michelin statement.
The French group went on to say that it was “particularly concerned about the impact on Symbio's 590 employees in France and 50 employees abroad.”
This article is only available to subscribers - subscribe today
Subscribe for unlimited access. A subscription to European Rubber Journal includes:
Every issue of European Rubber Journal (6 issues) including Special Reports & Maps.
Unlimited access to ERJ articles online
Daily email newsletter – the latest news direct to your inbox