Stellantis chief executive Antonio Filosa has signalled a clear change in direction for the company’s US strategy, placing conventional hybrid vehicles at the centre of its product plans and stepping back from an earlier emphasis on fully electric models.
Speaking at the Goldman Sachs 17th Annual Industrials & Autos Week, Filosa said: “We truly believe that hybrid is going to be one of the favourite powertrains in the US.”
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He said the group is prioritising traditional hybrid systems rather than plug-in hybrids, adding that he does not see the same appetite for plug-in models among American buyers.
According to Filosa, Stellantis must align more closely with what US consumers want now, rather than being guided primarily by past regulatory pressures.
Filosa pointed to the Jeep Cherokee hybrid as a leading example of the company’s current technology and indicated that Stellantis intends to extend hybrid powertrains across more of its US portfolio.
The change in strategy comes as Filosa attempts to halt and reverse recent share losses in the US market, which were among the factors behind the exit of former CEO Carlos Tavares.
Filosa said Stellantis’ US market share stood at 7% in the first half of the year and edged up to 8% in the third quarter.
Filosa, who took over around six months ago after a protracted search to replace Tavares, now oversees a group of 14 brands including Chrysler, Ram and Jeep.
His comments also follow recent discussions in Washington. Filosa joined the CEO of Ford Motor in talks with President Donald Trump over proposed changes to fuel economy rules.
On Wednesday (3 December), Trump unveiled a plan to ease mileage standards for the auto industry, reducing pressure on manufacturers to cut emissions from petrol-powered vehicles.
If adopted next year, the proposal would lower fuel economy targets that determine how far new vehicles must travel on a gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol through the 2031 model year.
The move would give carmakers more room to sell gasoline-powered models and lessen the regulatory drive towards electric vehicles.
Stellantis has already responded to dealer and customer feedback by reinstating its HEMI 8-cylinder engine on certain models this year.
Filosa said there were 10,000 orders for the Ram with a HEMI V-8 on the day it was announced, rising to 50,000 within six weeks.
“There is a big mix improvement and volume improvement opportunity there,” he said.
Filosa indicated he expects Stellantis to secure additional US market share as new products, including more hybrid options, are rolled out.
