(AOF) – Hopium announces that it is currently pursuing advanced discussions with a Chinese group “of international dimension”, with a view to an “industrial and capitalistic” partnership. The specialist in hydrogen fuel cell systems for the sustainable mobility and stationary sectors specifies that an agreement would allow it to finalize the development of its hydrogen fuel cell system up to the TRL9 level by taking over from Atlas Special Opportunities, to consolidate its financial situation and finance the construction of a first pilot plant.
In receivership since July, Hopium posted a net loss of 24.68 million euros in the first half, compared to 9.53 million a year ago. Having not yet initiated the marketing of its hydrogen fuel cell system, the company “did not achieve any turnover during the first half of 2023”.
Currently at 0.81 euros, the stock has lost 98.84% of its value since January 1.
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A French market in good shape
The French automobile market recorded its tenth consecutive month of growth in October 2023 with 152,383 registrations of new passenger vehicles (+22% year-on-year). It increased by 16.49% over the first 10 months of 2023, with 1.44 million registrations, almost as many as in 2022 (1.52 million) but much less than the level of 2019 (2.2 million ). However, the forecast indicators are not good because new orders fell by 13% at the end of September 2023. The slowdown in orders could be explained by inflation, the rise in interest rates, and more prudent management of their cash flow by companies (half of the market). If Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Opel, Jeep) remains the leader of the French market, with a market share greater than 28%, the Renault group (Renault, Dacia, Alpine) benefited from good performances in October 2023, with almost 31% additional new registrations over one year. The French group represents 24.6% of the private car market.