U.S. dealers of Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks are looking to new Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa to reverse months of disappointing sales and restore trust in the brand. Filosa, a 51-year-old Italian national, took over as CEO on Wednesday after Carlos Tavares abruptly stepped down. Filosa, who has a strong background in manufacturing and quality, was previously the COO of Stellantis’ Americas division and has already engaged in discussions with U.S. dealers to address their concerns.
Filosa’s Challenge: Turning Around Declining U.S. Market Share
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Ram, has struggled with a declining U.S. market share, which was a key factor in the search for a new leader. Filosa’s appointment comes at a time when U.S. dealers are hoping for a turnaround after Tavares’ controversial pricing strategy led to a steep decline in sales. Former Stellantis National Dealer Council Chairman Kevin Farrish expressed confidence in Filosa, citing his extensive manufacturing experience, which he believes is crucial for rebuilding trust with dealers. Filosa’s first task will be to address the challenges left by Tavares’ cost-cutting measures, which alienated many key stakeholders.
Repairing Relationships and Strengthening North American Sales
Under Tavares’ leadership, Stellantis faced significant tensions with dealers, suppliers, and unions. The company is now focused on mending these relationships and rebuilding its reputation. In a bid to stabilize the company, Stellantis has brought back veteran executives like Ram Chief Tim Kuniskis to help lead its brands. Despite these efforts, the turnaround has been slow. First-quarter net revenues dropped 14% globally, with North American revenues falling 25%. Shipments in the region also faltered, leaving Filosa with the challenging task of reversing these trends.
Tariff Challenges and a Shifting Market Landscape
Filosa faces additional obstacles, including the impact of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in April, which have added billions in costs for Stellantis and other automakers. These tariffs primarily affect vehicles imported from Mexico and Canada, which make up over 40% of the 1.2 million vehicles Stellantis sold in the U.S. in 2024. With the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs, Stellantis and several other automakers have suspended their annual guidance, further complicating Filosa’s efforts to restore stability and growth in North America.
Dealer Optimism and Filosa’s Approach to U.S. Market Needs
Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism among U.S. dealers. Mark Trudell, general manager of Extreme Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Jackson, Michigan, called Filosa’s appointment the “right decision,” noting that Filosa’s knowledge of the North American market is superior to that of his predecessor. Dealers believe Filosa’s focus on understanding U.S. market needs, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and how to navigate tariff issues, will be key to turning things around.
Thad Szott, dealer partner at Szott Auto Group, shared a similar sentiment, recalling that Filosa visited his dealership in White Lake, Michigan, over a year ago, where he listened attentively to U.S. dealer feedback. “I’m optimistic we will start taking U.S. market share back,” Szott said, highlighting Filosa’s commitment to rebuilding relationships with dealers and strengthening the company’s position in the U.S. market.
