After 4 tumultuous years on the helm of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares unexpectedly stepped down final December, regardless of having one other 12 months 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 automobile manufacturers. Born in Naples, the Italian government is taking up a twin position, 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 choices, he’s asking workers to cease figuring out themselves as former Fiat Chrysler Vehicles 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 identification: “We’re Stellantis.”

Photograph by: Stellantis

That method is smart. In spite of everything, it is already been 4 years because the mega-merger. With a brand new CEO and management crew in place, Stellantis goals to maneuver ahead moderately than stay anchored prior to now. In line with Automotive Information, Filosa informed 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 might be corrected: “There may be nothing fallacious at Stellantis that can not be mounted 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 facet of the pond, Chrysler seems to have a future as nicely.

Talking of Maserati, a few of its workers might quickly be working extra carefully with these from Alfa Romeo. Santo Ficili, CEO of each Italian marques, not too long ago 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-about, 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 the moment are much more advanced than throughout the period that helped VAG develop into a worldwide powerhouse. Rising competitors from China, stricter laws, and escalating manufacturing prices are only a few of the hurdles legacy automakers now face.