2026 will be the decisive year for Stellantis to move from words to deeds. CEO Antonio Filosa said this speaking at Detroit Auto Show in front of a financial community that expects concrete signs of a turning point within the first half of the year after difficult years, especially on the North American market.
«The strategy before us is solid and can bring us back to growth, if executed well. This is why I believe that the Let 2026 be the year of execution», explained the manager, appointed CEO last May and involved for months in a relaunch plan for the group born five years ago from the merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA. The CEO did not rule out new developments either possible downsizing for some brands.
United States at the center and change of direction on electric
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Filosa clarified that the path started represents only the “first step” of a broader transformation. In the short term, the priorities are clear: strengthen the presence in the United States by focusing on the most profitable brands, Jeep and Ram, and correct some choices of the past, in particular the almost exclusive emphasis on electric wanted by former CEO Carlos Tavares.
The group, Filosa underlined, does not intend to deny the technological transitionbut adopt a more pragmatic approach that adheres to real customer demand and market conditions.
Affordability and new models under 30 thousand dollars
One of the pillars of the new course is the theme ofprice accessibilitywhich has become crucial in the USA with average price lists now around 50 thousand dollars. Stellantis is working on a price reset and a wider range of compact and less expensive models. «Part of the answer is in the value of the offer and in the competitiveness of prices, the other is in the product», explained Filosa, recalling the recent price cuts on Jeep and the realignment of the versions. Among the expected innovations is the nuovo pick-up midsize Ram expected in 2026, while the group will “evaluate” the introduction of further models under the threshold of 30 thousand dollars.
The project of one $25,000 electric Jeepi, hypothesized in the past by Tavares, seems destined not to materialize in that form, even if solutions with other engines remain open.
Will Italian brands say goodbye to the USA?
Filosa has not ruled out the possibility of reorienting or reducing the company’s vast brand portfolio, which also includes Italian brands, at a regional level in the US Fiat e Alfa Romeowhich did not perform well nationally. While reiterating the desire to “stay united”, the CEO admitted that the issue of a possible refocusing by geographical areas remains on the table.
The data explains the pressure on management: Stellantis global sales fell 12.3% between 2021 and 2024from 6.5 to 5.7 million vehicles, a drop of about 27% in the United States. In the same period, US market share slipped from 11.6% to 8%dropping the group from fourth to sixth place.
Filosa prepares the new plan by June
To convince Wall Street, Filosa is now preparing the next key step: a capital markets day expected in the first half of the year, preceded already in the next few days by a meeting with over 200 top managers of the group. Corporate culture, customer focus and operational execution are the three cornerstones indicated by the CEO.
Also on the table maxi investment plan of 13 billion dollars in the United States, intended for manufacturing, research, software and autonomous driving. «We have learned from mistakes and are rebuilding relationships with unions, dealers and suppliers», concluded Filosa, aware that 2026 will be the testing ground for Stellantis. (reproduction reserved)
