Hybrids Take The Lead: Stellantis CEO Reaffirms U.S. Strategy

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is making one thing clear: the company’s strategy for the United States is shifting gears — and hybrids are in the fast lane. Speaking during a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 17th Annual Industrials & Autos Week, Filosa said the automaker must respond directly to what American customers are demanding today, not just what regulations once pushed.

“We truly believe that hybrid is going to be one of the favorite powertrains in the U.S.,” Filosa stated.

It’s a noticeably different message from the company’s former leadership, which aggressively pushed battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as the primary path forward. Filosa said Stellantis sees faster growth opportunities with traditional hybrid systems — the kind that don’t require plugging in — especially as many U.S. shoppers continue to express concerns about EV pricing, charging availability, and cold-weather performance.

He clarified that Stellantis is “focusing more on traditional hybrids rather than plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models,” noting lower demand for PHEVs in the States.

Jeep® Cherokee Leads The Next Wave –

A key example of this new direction is the upcoming 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM). The brand-new D-segment SUV introduces a turbocharged 1.6-liter EP6 I4 hybrid powertrain — a first for Jeep in North America. The system pairs the gasoline engine with two electric motors and a battery, delivering:

• 210 horsepower

• 230 lb-ft of torque

• An estimated 37 mpg combined

• 500+ miles of total driving range per fill-up

That range beats many of Cherokee’s top rivals and aims squarely at families looking for more capability without jumping into the EV world just yet.

Filosa emphasized the company’s “multi-energy strategy,” meaning gas, hybrid, and electric will coexist — and customers will decide which wins.

Rebuilding U.S. Market Share – 

Filosa stepped into the CEO role about six months ago after Stellantis experienced steep sales declines that contributed to the departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares. The turnaround effort is already gaining traction:

• 7% U.S. market share in the first half of the year

• 8% by the third quarter, and rising

The momentum is getting help from a surprise hit — the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 on select Ram 1500. Dealers demanded it. Consumers cheered it. And the orders poured in. On the day the 5.7-liter returned to the Ram 1500, 10,000 orders were placed. And another 50,000 units were placed within the first six weeks. “There is a big mix improvement and volume improvement opportunity there,” Filosa said. 

A Practical Path Forward –

Filosa also recently joined Ford CEO Jim Farley in a meeting with President Donald Trump last night,  regarding proposed changes to U.S. fuel-economy rules. Looser rules would allow automakers to build more gas-powered and hybrid vehicles while easing pressure to push EVs faster than buyers want.

In the end, Filosa’s stance is simple: give Americans a choice. And today, Americans are choosing hybrids and V8s.