Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler all had important gross sales declines in 2024. In consequence, the FCA facet of Stellantis fell 15 p.c. Unsurprisingly, sellers had been none too pleased about it. The US Stellantis Nationwide Seller Council despatched a strongly worded letter to Carlos Tavares, blaming him for steering the US manufacturers towards catastrophe.
On the time, Stellantis responded with its personal strongly worded letter chiding the council for “private assaults” that do not remedy issues. Besides possibly it did, as a result of Tavares resigned three months after that and now, Stellantis management is taking a really totally different tone with its US seller community.
“We’re totally dedicated to strengthening our partnerships with sellers, and that begins with a renewed deal with collaboration,” mentioned Antonio Filosa, Stellantis chief working officer for North America. “Our new strategy is centered on eradicating pointless limits for our sellers, and guaranteeing we’re aligned and in a position to succeed collectively in a aggressive market.”
Picture by: Stellantis
Addressing sellers in attendance on the Nationwide Car Sellers Affiliation Conference (NADA) in New Orleans, Filosa and different Stellantis executives introduced a “complete” plan designed to reinvigorate gross sales. That features an expanded product portfolio, notably with lower-priced trims for the Ram 1500, new merchandise for Jeep, and the Dodge Charger Sixpack with a combustion engine.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly constructive response primarily based on these guarantees and commitments,” mentioned Stellants Head of US Gross sales Jeff Kommor. “And we’ve confidence that 2025 goes to be a terrific 12 months for the corporate and sellers alike.”
Talking with quite a few Stellantis executives on the 2025 Detroit Auto Present, we sensed an identical thread of optimism within the wake of Tavares’s resignation.
“I feel the largest factor is simply taking the management and pushing it again out to the areas,” mentioned Dodge CEO Matt McAlear.
“The management that [Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and Chief Operating Officer Antonio Filosa] have proven all of us, and the belief and alternative to make adjustments is unimaginable,” mentioned Bob Broderdorf, head of Jeep for North America.
Along with extra autos, Stellantis is unlocking the coffers for extra advertising in North America and, in sure circumstances, slashing costs. Living proof: Some Jeep fashions are over $7,000 cheaper for 2025.
“The walks are aggressive, we’re aggressive,” mentioned Broderdorf. “I’m seeking to competitively place our automobiles and decide a battle.”
What do sellers need to say about all this? The US Stellantis Nationwide Sellers Council believes the automaker is heading in the right direction, in keeping with a report from Automotive Information.
“The seller community may be very supportive of Antonio Filosa,” mentioned Michael Bettenhausen, chairman of the US Stellantis Nationwide Seller Council.
Whether or not all this constructive speak interprets to constructive outcomes, solely time will inform.
