The American automotive landscape is shifting gears, and not every brand will survive the ride, according to a recent analysis by CarEdge, an online car-buying marketplace.
Between plummeting sales, confused product strategies and cash flow issues, these brands that once seemed permanent fixtures on dealer lots may not make it to the end of the decade.
Three of the endangered car brands are under the Stellantis umbrella — the company that emerged as a result of the Chrysler Group and Fiat Group merger. And another is a brand with significant global reach that’s struggling in the U.S.
Alfa Romeo stalls out
Alfa Romeo had a hopeful return to America in 2008 after ceasing exports in 1995. But in 2025, the outlook is grim. The subsidiary of Stellantis saw its U.S. deliveries collapse from over 18,000 units in 2021 to just under 9,000 in 2024.
The Giulia and Stelvio continue losing ground. The newer Tonale crossover is expected to boost sales, but it may not be enough to keep Alfa Romeos in America, especially after Stellantis posted a $2.7 billion loss in the first half of 2025.
Chrysler goes all-in on a minivan
Chrysler, another Stellantis brand, has largely pegged its survival to the Pacifica minivan, which is risky, as CarEdge co-founder and industry veteran Ray Shefska explains:
“You can’t put all your chips on one vehicle, especially in a niche market. The Pacifica is great, but it’s not going to save Chrysler on its own.”
The brand seems to be waffling on its brand identity as it also promises an all-electric lineup by 2028. But the company has no clear path to get there, and as EV demand cools nationwide it could spell more trouble for the legacy car maker.
Without new products or a coherent brand identity, Chrysler might not get the chance for its EV transformation.
Maserati’s mounting losses
Despite being positioned as Stellantis’ premium offering, Maserati’s financials paint a grim picture. Its operating losses topped $260 million in 2024 and global sales tanked by 58% from 2023 to 2024.
And EV projects tied to the brand that got the axe resulted in Stellantis writing off $1.6 billion in losses.
Nissan struggles but stays afloat
While not facing immediate extinction, Nissan is battling serious headwinds. The automaker reported a crushing $4.5 billion net loss in 2024, 20,000 job cuts and the closure of its first overseas plant by 2027.
The Altima and Versa are being discontinued after this year, while tariffs and supply chain disruptions hammer production.
However, Nissan’s global footprint and established EV presence provide the brand more leeway than its struggling competitors, assuming it can execute a turnaround quickly.
What this means for your wallet
For car buyers, these brand struggles could mean tempting deals as desperate dealers scramble to clear inventory. If you’re willing to gamble on a brand’s survival, you might score serious discounts.
But weigh those savings against potentially owning a vehicle from a defunct manufacturer. It could drop in value steeply and be a headache when it comes to parts and service.
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