Stellantis launches Europe Supplier Advisory Council to rebuild partnerships

Stellantis: a new era of collaboration begins with the Europe Supplier Advisory Council

The European automotive industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, and for Stellantis, this evolution is taking on a specific focus in 2026. Since the departure of Carlos Tavares, the group has appeared to initiate a major strategic shift, seeking to establish a more serene and constructive environment. This new era, which will be officially detailed on May 21st during the presentation of the new strategic plan, is already manifesting through concrete actions. Beyond mere financial figures and profitability targets, the manufacturer is now striving to rebuild a relationship of trust with both its customers and its industrial partners. Within this context of renewal, Stellantis has announced the launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council, a pioneering body designed to rethink its relationship with suppliers.

A strategic forum for industrial excellence

This Council, a first for the group in Europe, is not intended to be a mere formality but a genuine strategic forum. It brings together Stellantis' top regional leaders, representing all major industrial functions, alongside 26 supplier partners selected for their expertise. These partners represent a broad spectrum of the automotive ecosystem, from high-tech specialists to raw material experts and guardians of European industrial know-how. The organization is built for efficiency, with three working sessions already scheduled for 2026, each lasting one and a half days.

The mission assigned to this Council is ambitious and multi-dimensional. Its primary goal is to create an open and trusted forum where strategic discussions can take place with full transparency. The objective is to identify operational bottlenecks that slow down the value chain and transform these obstacles into growth opportunities. To achieve this, joint Stellantis–supplier working groups will be activated to accelerate the implementation of concrete solutions. This collaborative model aims to strengthen Europe's ability—and by extension, that of brands—to offer high-quality, innovative products centered on customer needs. By also involving key associations such as ANFIA and FIEV, Stellantis ensures maximum representation of the sector.

Voices of leadership: a commitment to transparency

The success of this initiative relies on the direct involvement of the group's decision-makers. Emanuele Cappellano, COO of Stellantis Europe, emphasizes the importance of this paradigm shift: "The launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council marks a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen the region’s industrial performance. Today more than ever, our success depends on close collaboration with our supplier partners. By creating a shared space where we can openly discuss challenges and opportunities, we are laying the groundwork for faster execution, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe."

This vision is echoed by Stéphane Dubs, Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for Stellantis Europe, who places respect at the heart of the approach: "Our suppliers are essential players in Stellantis’ transformation. This new Council allows us to work side by side, in a spirit of transparency and respect, to co‑create solutions that benefit all parties. Together, we will address the key strategic challenges of our industry—whether it be quality, launch readiness, cost competitiveness, innovation, or supply chain resilience—to transform them into strategic advantages for our entire ecosystem." The three meetings planned for 2026 will align performance expectations and drive critical projects, such as production planning and managing regulatory impacts.

Facing headwinds and the chinese challenge

This olive branch to suppliers comes during a particularly complex economic and geopolitical climate. The European automotive industry is facing significant headwinds, characterized by market instability and, most notably, the growing pressure from Chinese manufacturers. These new entrants, often benefiting from advantageous cost structures and a technological lead in electric vehicles, are forcing legacy players to react with newfound agility. In this context, protecting jobs in Europe has become a daily challenge.

The Europe Supplier Advisory Council is intended to be the tool for this responsiveness. By better understanding the constraints of its suppliers, Stellantis hopes to reduce decision-making times and make its entire ecosystem more resilient. It is no longer just about cutting costs in isolation, but about building a European industrial base capable of competing globally through innovation and operational excellence. The unity between the manufacturer and its suppliers is now seen as the only viable path to guarantee sustainable growth and maintain the continent's technological leadership.

Toward a restored balance

In conclusion, the establishment of the Stellantis Europe Supplier Advisory Council marks a necessary break from past practices. By prioritizing collaboration over unilateral pressure, the group is equipping itself to find lasting solutions to the industry's turbulence. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the European ecosystem remains competitive in a rapidly changing world. This initiative also helps to slowly close the chapter on a management style focused on extreme cost-cutting that had strained ties with partners.