In a surprising move, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has stepped down from his position, effective immediately. The announcement comes as the automaker faces slumping profits and weakening U.S. sales across its brands, which include Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati. The resignation marks a sudden leadership shakeup for the global automaker, leaving both the auto industry and consumers questioning what lies ahead.

What Happened at Stellantis?

Stellantis released a statement on December 1, 2024 confirming Tavares’ resignation, citing disagreements between the CEO and the board of directors. To ensure continuity, Stellantis has formed an interim executive committee while a special committee works to appoint a permanent CEO. The process is expected to conclude by mid-2025. Understandably, car buyers are feeling a sense of uncertainty with the world’s fourth-largest automaker marching towards 2025 without a leader.

The timing of this leadership change comes at a critical moment for Stellantis. The automaker has been navigating challenges in electrification, global sales, and production. Just last month, Stellantis reported a drop in profit and a sluggish performance in the U.S. market. Several of the slowest-selling cars in America are from Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo. 

Should Car Buyers Be Worried?

For current shoppers eyeing a new Jeep, Ram, or Dodge during December’s year-end car sales, there’s little reason for immediate concern. December’s deals will remain unaffected by the leadership shakeup. Additionally, the vehicles currently on dealership lots have already been built, ensuring consistent quality for buyers today.

However, for those looking to the future, Stellantis’ leadership crisis introduces a layer of uncertainty. Depending on how the automaker’s new leadership chooses to navigate these challenges, significant shifts in brand strategy, quality, and reliability could be on the horizon. Extreme cost-cutting measures to address profitability concerns could result in setbacks, particularly if they compromise vehicle durability or customer satisfaction.

Another potential concern is the impact on resale values. If Stellantis faces ongoing struggles, the market value of its vehicles could decline, especially if rumors of brand discontinuation or financial instability arise. Buyers planning to hold onto their vehicles for several years should factor these possibilities into their decisions. See how Jeep, Ram, and Dodge resale values compare. 

Is December 2024 Still a Good Time to Buy a Ram, Jeep, or Dodge?

For those considering a Stellantis vehicle today, December is still an excellent time to buy. Year-end car deals are among the best of the year, with significant discounts and financing offers available across Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and other Stellantis brands. We’ve gathered all of the best car deals here. 

For instance, Jeep and Ram are offering competitive APR financing and cash incentives on popular models, and Dodge muscle cars are seeing deep discounts as the company clears inventory ahead of model transitions. The current deals reflect business as usual for Stellantis, making now a great time to take advantage of the incentives.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While December deals remain a bright spot for buyers, Stellantis’ future direction remains uncertain. Whether the automaker can navigate this leadership transition effectively will depend on the decisions of its new CEO and leadership team. With challenges in electrification, profitability, and U.S. market performance, the stakes are high.

Stay tuned to CarEdge News for updates on Stellantis’ future and its impact on buyers.