After 4 tumultuous years on the helm of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares unexpectedly stepped down final December, regardless of having one other yr left on his contract. The corporate took about six months to discover a alternative, in the end appointing Antonio Filosa late final month to steer the automotive conglomerate and its 14 automotive manufacturers. Born in Naples, the Italian government is taking up a twin function, retaining his place as head of North America and American Manufacturers.
Filosa is now reviewing Stellantis’ long-term “Dare Ahead 2030” technique to find out whether or not changes are wanted. Earlier than making any main selections, he’s asking workers to cease figuring out themselves as former Fiat Chrysler Cars or Peugeot Citroën workers. As a reminder, the FCA-PSA merger was finalized in early 2021. As an alternative, the brand new CEO desires the roughly 250,000 workers to embrace a unified id: “We’re Stellantis.”
Photograph by: Stellantis
That strategy is sensible. In any case, it is already been 4 years because the mega-merger. With a brand new CEO and management group in place, Stellantis goals to maneuver ahead relatively than stay anchored previously. In line with Automotive Information, Filosa advised workers they’re free to “communicate up and be listened to,” emphasizing he doesn’t intend to be a CEO who lives in an ivory tower.
The previous Jeep boss additionally believes previous errors may be corrected: “There may be nothing fallacious at Stellantis that can’t be fastened with what is true at Stellantis.” The corporate has already dismissed persistent rumors about offloading its struggling Maserati luxurious model, signaling continued dedication to its many subsidiaries. In the meantime, on the opposite aspect of the pond, Chrysler seems to have a future as nicely.
Talking of Maserati, a few of its workers could quickly be working extra carefully with these from Alfa Romeo. Santo Ficili, CEO of each Italian marques, lately hinted at deeper collaboration between the 2. Staying in Italy, Lancia’s relaunch has not gone as easily as hoped, whereas Abarth’s shift away from combustion engines in favor of EVs might show dangerous.
All issues thought of, Filosa has a full plate as he manages a sprawling portfolio of manufacturers, a few of that are in pressing want of revitalization. Whether or not Stellantis can mirror the success of the Volkswagen Group stays unsure. The challenges at present are much more complicated than in the course of the period that helped VAG change into a world powerhouse. Rising competitors from China, stricter rules, and escalating manufacturing prices are just some of the hurdles legacy automakers now face.
