Stellantis CEO Outlines 2026 Strategy
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has identified 2026 as a critical execution year for the company's Jeep, Ram, and Dodge brands in the U.S. This follows several years of declining market share for the automaker.
Since his appointment in May, Filosa has initiated a turnaround strategy. Key aspects of this plan include prioritizing the Jeep and Ram brands in the U.S. and re-evaluating some decisions made by his predecessor, Carlos Tavares, which heavily emphasized all-electric vehicles.
Filosa stated at the Detroit Auto Show that the current strategy is robust and is expected to lead to growth through effective execution. He described the current year as the "first step" in reshaping the company, which was formed five years ago from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe.
Future Plans and Brand Portfolio
Further details regarding the company's future strategy are anticipated to be presented at a capital markets day during the first half of the year. Filosa did not exclude the possibility of regionally refocusing or adjusting the company's brand portfolio, noting that Italian brands like Fiat and Alfa Romeo have underperformed domestically.
Filosa addressed speculation about potential asset or brand sales, affirming the company's intent to "stay together." He emphasized an ongoing effort to build a unified company culture. A meeting with over 200 company executives is scheduled to focus on the capital markets day, company culture, and the 2026 execution plan. Filosa is working to instill three cultural principles: being a global company with strong regional roots, being customer-focused, and fostering collaboration.
Recent Performance Context
Under former CEO Tavares, Stellantis' global sales decreased by 12.3%, from 6.5 million vehicles in 2021 to 5.7 million in 2024. During this period, U.S. sales experienced a decline of approximately 27%, reaching 1.3 million vehicles. The company's U.S. market share decreased from 11.6% to 8%, causing its ranking in U.S. sales to shift from fourth to sixth.