Stellantis Hits Pause on Dealer Overhaul Across Europe
Company Keeps Traditional Sales Model in Place for Most EU Countries
Stellantis is putting the brakes on a major shift in how it sells vehicles across Europe. The company has officially frozen its plan to overhaul its dealer network using the controversial “agency model,” according to a report from Reuters.
Speaking at a dealership event in Verona, Italy, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Enlarged Europe, Jean-Philippe Imparato, confirmed the decision. “We are suspending the plan in Europe,” Imparato stated. “We will continue with our traditional dealer framework, with the exception of Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, where the transition is already underway.”
The agency model, originally launched by former CEO Carlos Tavares in 2021, would have given Stellantis more control over vehicle pricing and transactions, essentially cutting out traditional dealership sales roles. Under the model, dealers would no longer be the buyer’s direct point of contract. Instead, they would simply deliver vehicles and handle service.
While the move was aimed at cutting costs and supporting Stellantis’ transition to electric vehicles (EVs), many dealers pushed back. They argued that the agency model would eat into their already tight profit margins and reduce their independence.
Tavares, who stepped down in December, had long argued the model would streamline operations and better align with the EV shift. But with pushback growing and key markets resisting the change, the automaker is now taking a step back—at least for now.
Imparato also hinted at more announcements coming soon, particularly regarding European Union support for manufacturing. “We will soon address requests to the European Union to support auto manufacturing in the region,” he said.
Stellantis’ decision to hold off on this dealership restructure signals a significant shift in tone under new leadership. With the EV market softening in parts of Europe and dealership relationships under pressure, it appears the automaker is looking to keep its network stable while it revisits its strategy.
Source: Reuters
