Compiled by Yang Yuke, Edited by Li Guozheng, Produced by Bangning Studio (gbngzs)

After a six-month hiatus, the Stellantis Group has finally welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer.

On May 28, 2025, the Stellantis Group Board of Directors announced the appointment of seasoned executive Antonio Filosa as CEO, effective June 23. An extraordinary shareholders' meeting will follow in the coming days to nominate Filosa to the board as the group's executive director.

Filosa succeeds Carlos Tavares, who stepped down in early December last year amidst a steep decline in sales and profits, particularly in the US market, causing alarm among dealers, unions, and suppliers.

Following Tavares' resignation, Filosa was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the Americas and joined the interim executive committee led by Stellantis Group Executive Chairman John Elkann. In February of this year, he also assumed the role of Global Chief Quality Officer.

Elkann sang high praise for the new CEO, stating, "Filosa's profound understanding of the automotive industry makes him ideally suited to lead the group during its next critical phase of development." "He has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in managing the North and South American markets."

In the first quarter of 2025, Stellantis Group's net income fell by 14% year-on-year, and its net profit for 2024 declined by 70%. Affected by the erratic trade policies of former US President Donald Trump, Stellantis Group withdrew its full-year financial targets.

The uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs is poised to have a profound impact on the automotive industry. Since the beginning of this year, Stellantis' share price has plummeted by nearly 27%.

Filosa, aged 51, has been a dedicated member of the Stellantis Group for 25 years. He previously served as CEO of the Jeep brand, was appointed Chief Operating Officer for North America in October 2024, and took on the role of Chief Quality Officer in February of this year.

Born in Naples, Italy, Filosa embarked on his career in 1999 at the Fiat Group, where he served as plant manager at the Betim factory in Brazil. From 2016 to 2018, he led FCA's operations in Argentina. In March 2018, he became Chief Operating Officer for FCA Latin America.

In 2021, when PSA Group merged with FCA to form Stellantis Group, Filosa was appointed Chief Operating Officer for South America. Under his stewardship, Brazil emerged as the largest market for Jeep outside the US. In 2023, Filosa ascended to the position of global CEO of Jeep and was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the Americas the following year.

Earlier in 2025, he stepped down as President of Jeep Global. In February of this year, he assumed the role of Chief Quality Officer.

As Filosa takes the reins of Stellantis Group, the company aims to reverse declining sales and mend frayed relationships with dealers, suppliers, and unions.

He must diligently work to mitigate the impact of Trump's 25% tariff on automobiles. Among the Detroit Three, Stellantis Group is anticipated to be hit hardest by these tariffs. His focus will be on revitalizing Stellantis' fortunes, particularly in the crucial US market.

Filosa will undertake a comprehensive reassessment of Stellantis' global footprint, encompassing approximately 50 automotive assembly and powertrain plants. He may also review the status of Stellantis' 15 brands, including its joint venture with Zero Run in China. As Chief Operating Officer, Filosa has been striving to strengthen the US executive team with seasoned professionals who have a deep understanding of the US market, dealer networks, and consumer base.

In December last year, he brought retired Tim Kuniskis back as the head of Ram. In the tumultuous year of 2024, Stellantis lost nearly 2 percentage points of US market share, with dealers grappling with high inventories.

In January this year, Filosa told reporters at the Detroit Auto Show, "One of my first decisions was to bring back the talent we lost." "That's why I was so pleased when Kuniskis accepted the challenge to come back."

Filosa's challenges extend beyond these immediate concerns. Elkann has described 2025 as a "transition year" for Stellantis, with profits expected to remain stagnant compared to 2024.

However, in late March, Trump announced tariffs on cars imported into the US, where Stellantis derives its largest profits, primarily from sales of Ram, Jeep pickup trucks, and SUVs. Investment bank Jefferies estimates that these tariffs could slash Stellantis' earnings by 75%.

Stellantis' US sales heavily rely on factories in Mexico and Canada. Last year, it also exported approximately 58,000 vehicles to the US from Europe, including models such as Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep, as well as trucks.

According to Jefferies' analysis, based on financial and sales performance, these tariffs would have cost Stellantis $7.1 billion in revenue in 2024.

Given the decline in sales and the additional burden imposed by tariffs, preserving cash is one of Filosa's top priorities this year. Stellantis reported negative industrial cash flow of €6 billion last year, compared to positive cash flow of €12.9 billion in 2023.

In the first quarter of this year, Stellantis' total shipments fell 10% to 1.2 million units, and revenue declined 14% to $40.1 billion.

Under the leadership of former CEO Carlos Tavares, automotive inventories swelled, and dealers, particularly in the US, were frustrated by high prices and a scarcity of key models. Tavares also clashed with suppliers, who complained about onerous contract terms imposed by Stellantis.

Stellantis has been working to clear US inventories by reducing prices and introducing more aggressive incentives.

Furthermore, Filosa must continue to mend the strained relations with the United Auto Workers (UAW). He expressed confidence in January that he could find common ground with the union, stating that the company's manufacturing needs presented a complex "puzzle" that required a joint solution.

Kevin Gotinsky, UAW Vice President and the union's top liaison with Stellantis, said on May 6 that relations with Stellantis have "gotten much better" since Tavares' departure, thanks to Filosa's efforts.

(This article incorporates reports from Automotive News, Reuters, CNBC, and Motor1, with some images sourced from the internet.)