Vince Bond Jr. Reporter covering Stellantis and marketing for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-1653 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Fiat future in U.S. tied to new leader, return of 500e The Italian brand, which only sells one model in the U.S., has appointed former FCA marketer Aamir Ahmed to head its North American operations. Stellantis promotes design execs Galante, Nagode after 2 departures Jeep head designer Mark Allen is retiring and North American interior design lead Chris Benjamin left for VW's Scout Motors brand. Stellantis designer Chris Benjamin joins Scout Motors Veteran Stellantis designer Chris Benjamin joins Volkswagen Group's Scout Motors to lead design for the EV-focused brand that will specialize in utility vehicles and trucks. Stellantis worker's idea leads to hazard alerts in 1.8M vehicles Stellantis has updated 1.8 million vehicles with a feature that warns drivers of approaching firetrucks, ambulances and road hazards. Fiat names new North American chief Aamir Ahmed, 39, who worked in marketing for Fiat Chrysler before going to Amazon and Harman International, is the new leader of a brand that has struggled to gain traction since returning to North America in 2011. Toyota's ads drive Hispanic loyalty The automaker began working with a Hispanic advertising agency in 1987 and has been No. 1 among buyers from the fast-growing ethnic group for 19 straight years. Chrysler's 2025 electric crossover won't be the Airflow "It is evolving in a new direction," Stellantis design chief Ralph Gilles told MotorTrend magazine. Alfa Romeo leverages Tonale to build brand awareness in U.S. Alfa Romeo is investing heavily in advertising built around the plug-in hybrid crossover arriving this month to draw new customers and reverse declining U.S. sales. Outgoing Dodge models buck Stellantis sales slump Vehicles being killed off, such as the Dodge Charger and Challenger, are seeing strong demand as buyers get off the fence before it's too late. Manley, Barra got top pay from Detroit 3 in 2022 General Motors CEO Mary Barra was again the highest-paid CEO, but she earned less than the $56 million Mike Manley received from his former employer, Stellantis. With Bronco rising, Wrangler gets more features The refreshed 2024 Wrangler will offer power front seats for the first time. Expect Jeep to move quicker with advancements going forward now that it has to fend off the Ford Bronco. Stellantis plans U.S. hourly, salaried buyouts to trim costs, fund EV push Retirement-eligible workers hired before ratification of Chrysler's 2007 contract with the UAW can get $50,000 to leave their job, while those with at least one year of service can receive a lesser payment. NAMAD seeks president after Hugene Fields departure Hugene Fields, a newcomer to retailing who joined the minority auto dealers association last fall, departed March 31. Maserati aims for growth with varied lineup of EVs, hybrids and ICE The Stellantis brand, which was hampered by a lineup that grew stale over the past decade, is looking to rebound by offering a broader selection of powertrains and more utility vehicles. Stellantis designers use concepts as brand ‘manifestos’ Design chief Ralph Gilles said concepts help establish the company's direction as it enters the era of electric vehicles. Load More
Vince Bond Jr. Reporter covering Stellantis and marketing for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-1653 See All Staff Page