Stellantis’ New North America COO Talks EV Transition In The U.S.

In a recent interview with the Detroit Free Press, Carlos Zarlenga, Stellantis North America’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), shared insights into his approach to leadership and the challenges ahead as the company embarks on a transformative journey in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Zarlenga, previously credited for leading a successful turnaround for General Motors in South America, attributes his achievements to a no-nonsense approach – “What it was, was hard work, listing the problems and not letting go until you fix them,” he stated. His method involved a systematic identification and prioritization of issues, followed by methodical resolution, making the seemingly mundane turnaround a success.

Now at the helm of Stellantis North America, Zarlenga faces a significant task. The company, owner of well-known brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and Fiat, is gearing up for an EV transition while navigating the aftermath of a challenging year for sales in the crucial U.S. market.

Zarlenga, who assumed the role of COO this month, is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. His past experiences, including executive roles at General Electric and more than a decade in the auto industry, have equipped him with valuable insights. Undeterred by the task at hand, Zarlenga emphasized the importance of dealer relations, foreseeing it as a key area of focus as Stellantis plans to launch eight electric vehicles in the U.S. this year.

“It’s important to keep your partners fully engaged with your transformation,” Zarlenga asserted, stressing the need for dealers to see the potential in battery electric vehicles just as they do with hybrids. He believes that garnering support from dealers is crucial to engaging consumers in the EV market. “Getting dealers to buy in will help get consumers engaged,” Zarlenga said.

Addressing concerns about the pace of EV market growth, Zarlenga remains steadfast in Stellantis’ commitment to a greener future. “We’ve said that we’re going to be 50% EV by 2030, and we’re not pulling back from that commitment,” he asserts. With plans to launch eight new electric vehicles in the United States this year, Zarlenga sees this as a critical test for the EV market, but he expresses confidence in Stellantis’ offerings. “Everybody has big ambitions, so do we,” he affirms.

As he settles into his new role, Zarlenga’s leadership is poised to steer Stellantis North America through the complexities of electrification and changing consumer demands, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

Source: Detroit Free Press