Stellantis CFO praises new CEO, promises progress in American market at fireside chat
Speaking at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference on May 29, an economic conference aimed at company executives and investors, Ostermann touched on an array of issues: How will Stellantis keep up with the blazing pace of Chinese automakers? How will the company address headwinds brought on by President Donald Trump's tariff policies?
But to open the 50-minute discussion, Ostermann took a moment to praise Antonio Filosa, who was named the next CEO of Stellantis on May 28.
"Antonio has, you know, kind of this proven track record of improving things, building things, getting at issues and being very hands-on," Ostermann said, pointing to his work in North and South America, where Jeep dominated South American markets under Filosa's guidance.
"In the short time that he's been the head of North America, he fixed what was a significant inventory problem, adjusted pricing, built back the relationships with dealers," Ostermann said. "He's always been a man with a plan."
Filosa, a self-described protégé of the late charismatic Fiat Chrysler leader Sergio Marchionne, is tasked with reviving a company that has lagged financially in the last several years. Under former CEO Carlos Tavares, Stellantis saw a 70% drop in net profit between 2023 and 2024. The struggles continued into 2025, as Stellantis' profits slid 14% in its first quarter of 2025.
Ostermann, who has been with Stellantis-affiliated brands for eight years, says he trusts Filosa to lead the automaker out of the rough years.
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Stellantis is an international company, managing 14 brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and several names in the European market. American dealers and factory workers have previously scolded the company for leaving American operations behind.
With the compounding influence of a new leader in Filosa, who previously told the Free Press the United States is "the biggest priority" for Stellantis, and tariff policies seeking to reward automotive production in the United States, Ostermann said that he anticipates the company putting more focus on American production and jobs.
Ostermann noted that several new models will be rolling out this year, including a midsize truck under the Ram banner and a retooled Jeep Cherokee on a hybrid powertrain, set to be released in the back half of 2025.
The new Cherokee comes two years after the model was canceled in 2023, and Ostermann said it will be Stellantis' first vehicle with a full hybrid powertrain.
Along with the new Cherokee, Ostermann mentioned Ram's upcoming foray into the midsize truck market — a segment in which Stellantis does not currently offer a vehicle. Plans for the new truck and other manufacturing, Ostermann said, are being made with tariffs in mind.
"Clearly, we're going to be more biased toward the U.S. manufacturing going forward," Ostermann said, when asked how the brand is adjusting to proposed tariffs. "When we look at the opportunities that we have to get into, say, the midsize truck segment ... we have a natural space there with the Ram brand."
He followed up, indicating plans are moving forward to build the truck in America.
"I'm sure we will industrialize (the midsize truck) in the United States," Ostermann said. "Our intent, you know, going forward, and always, for the most part, has been to produce where we sell."
The new CEO, Filosa, officially assumes control of the company on June 23, when he will be tasked with maintaining his record of improving things for the struggling automaker.
Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis CFO says tariffs will bring more focus from company to U.S.
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