Stellantis takes drastic action to right the ship

Core Insights - The U.S. auto industry is facing significant challenges in 2025 due to new tariffs, particularly a 25% tariff impacting vehicle prices, which has led to increased consumer purchases before price hikes [1][3] - Ford has capitalized on this environment, reporting a sales increase in the second quarter that is approximately seven times the overall industry growth, making it the top-selling brand in the U.S. for the first half of the year [1] - Stellantis, under new CEO Antonio Filosa, is navigating a difficult macroeconomic landscape, anticipating a $1.7 billion loss due to tariffs in 2025, while also experiencing a 6% decline in global shipments [4][3] Company Strategies - Ford's strategy includes heavy promotions to drive sales amid consumer concerns about rising prices due to tariffs [1] - Stellantis is restructuring its executive team and focusing on domestic investments to regain U.S. market share, including relocating the CEO's office to Detroit and investing in a $388 million facility [5][6] - Filosa's leadership marks a shift from previous strategies that involved layoffs and product pushes that did not resonate with American consumers [5] Market Performance - In terms of U.S. auto imports, Ford imports significantly fewer vehicles compared to its competitors, positioning it advantageously in the current tariff environment [2] - Stellantis's second-quarter shipments fell to 1.4 million vehicles globally, with North American shipments expected to decline by 25% due to reduced manufacturing and imports [4] Executive Changes - Antonio Filosa has made significant changes to Stellantis's executive team, including appointing new leaders for European brands, indicating a strategic focus on both U.S. and European markets [8]