By Chinonyerem Emmanuel
DETROIT — Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is setting his sights on 2026 as a pivotal “execution year” for the U.S. automaker, which produces Jeep, Ram, and Dodge vehicles, following years of declining market share.
Since stepping into the top role in May, Filosa has been implementing a turnaround plan aimed at reinvigorating Stellantis’ American operations. Central to his strategy is a renewed focus on the company’s Jeep and Ram brands, long-standing pillars of its U.S. business.
Filosa is also revisiting some of the electric-vehicle-focused decisions made by his predecessor, Carlos Tavares, seeking a more balanced approach that emphasizes immediate growth alongside long-term innovation.
“The strategy that we have in front of us is a strong one and will lead us to growth if we execute well,” Filosa told reporters Wednesday at the Detroit Auto Show. “So, I believe it’s a year of execution.”
Dressed casually in a Jeep vest over a crisp white shirt, Filosa described 2026 as a “first step” in the ongoing transformation of a company that was formed five years ago through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and French automaker PSA Groupe. While he declined to discuss specific details, he emphasized that his leadership team will unveil a more comprehensive vision during Stellantis’ upcoming capital markets day in the first half of the year.
Filosa left open the possibility of restructuring the company’s sprawling brand portfolio, which also includes struggling Italian names like Fiat and Alfa Romeo. “We are building a culture,” he said, suggesting that any decisions will be guided not just by financial considerations but by the company’s long-term identity.
Despite speculation on Wall Street that Stellantis might consider selling off some assets or brands, Filosa stressed that the company intends “to stay together”, reinforcing the idea that the turnaround is focused on internal strength and cohesion.
Next week, Filosa will convene more than 200 executives to refine plans for capital markets day, reinforce the company culture, and lay out actionable steps for 2026. During the press conference, he highlighted the three guiding principles he hopes will shape the company’s future: maintaining strong regional roots, staying customer-focused, and fostering collaboration across teams.
The urgency of the turnaround is underscored by Stellantis’ recent sales performance. Under Tavares’ leadership, global sales fell 12.3% from 6.5 million vehicles in 2021, the company’s founding year, to 5.7 million in 2024. The decline was even steeper in the U.S., where sales plummeted roughly 27% over the same period to 1.3 million vehicles, pushing Stellantis from fourth to sixth place in U.S. sales rankings and reducing its market share from 11.6% to 8%.
For Filosa, 2026 represents more than just a year to report numbers; it’s a chance to set a new course for the company, align its sprawling operations, and rebuild confidence in Stellantis’ ability to compete in an increasingly competitive market.
Source: CNBC
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