U.S. Stellantis Dealers Praise New Leadership, Question Old Strategy, and Await New Models to Boost Sales

More than a year after former CEO Carlos Tavares departed, Stellantis dealers in the U.S. continue to criticize strategies implemented during his tenure. The National Dealer Council (NDC) previously accused him of causing a "rapid decline" of the Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands, citing excessive cost-cutting and a lack of product passion. Now, under new North America chief Antonio Filosa, dealer sentiment has noticeably improved. NDC Chairman Shawn Hogan praised the new leadership team for better understanding the market, noting the reinstatement of the Hemi engine and a commitment to invest $13 billion in the U.S. by 2030. Several new vehicles are on the horizon, including an all-new Dodge Durango, Ram’s first-ever SUV launching in 2028, and the return of the midsize Dakota pickup next year. Although Stellantis’ U.S. sales dipped slightly by 3% last year, dealer confidence is rebounding. Meanwhile, the company is evaluating the long-term viability of its 14 brands, with some European marques—such as Lancia—potentially facing discontinuation to address product overlap.