Since the departure of Carlos Tavares, Stellantis has undergone a major strategic change. John Elkann, Chairman of the Board, brought together representatives of the European dealer networks in Amsterdam to present a new management approach. The aim was to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including dealers and government authorities, while introducing more decentralised management.
At the meeting, Elkann stressed the importance of cooperation and dialogue. He announced measures to give more autonomy to local structures and improve the flexibility of commercial relationships. At the same time, efforts will be made to strengthen relationships with suppliers and ensure better quality components. This collective, consultative approach marks a break with the more centralised decisions of the previous management. "We want to work more closely with our dealers and have an open dialogue with all stakeholders to develop a win-win strategy," said John Elkann at the meeting.
A remarkable return to ACEA and a reorganisation of the regions
One of the first notable actions under Elkann is the return of Stellantis to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). This decision, which contrasts with the withdrawal from the organisation in 2023 under the leadership of Carlos Tavares, reflects a clear change of direction. By aligning itself with ACEA's positions, Stellantis is demonstrating its willingness to work more closely with the European authorities and to defend realistic CO2 reduction targets.
This return to ACEA should also enable the company to avoid fines for non-compliance with emission limits, while strengthening relations with governments and commercial partners. At the same time, Elkann announced a new internal organisation that gives more freedom and autonomy to the different regions. The aim of this decentralised management is to better adapt local strategies to market realities, while maintaining global coherence.
Concrete steps to strengthen relationships and quality
In addition to the structural changes, Stellantis has also announced concrete initiatives to rebuild trust within its ecosystem. These include increasing the number of meetings with the media, expanding press fleets and investing more in local structures. The brand hopes to reduce production disruptions caused by strained relationships with certain suppliers and provide a better quality experience for customers.
These announcements already seem to be paying off: after an initial drop in Stellantis' share price following Tavares' departure, the stock has recovered with an increase of 18%. Analysts see this more collaborative approach as an opportunity for stability and long-term growth.
While awaiting the appointment of a successor to Carlos Tavares, Stellantis seems determined to move forward. Under the leadership of John Elkann, the company is making significant and rapid changes, demonstrating its willingness to adapt to current challenges. The return to more decentralised management, combined with an increased dialogue with stakeholders, could open a new chapter in the group's history. These changes are interesting in that they show that Stellantis is not at a standstill while awaiting the appointment of a new leader, but they are also promising in that they could redefine the relationships between Stellantis, its partners and its customers, giving good hope for a sustainable revival of the group.
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