Automaker Stellantis Abandons Plans for Dealer Agreement Structure in Europe
In a significant move, automotive giant Stellantis is restructuring its European dealer network as part of a broader strategic turnaround under new CEO Antonio Filosa, who took the helm in June 2025.
The restructuring notably includes the cancellation of two major expansion projects in Europe and voluntary agreements to cut at least 2,500 jobs in Italy to adapt the network to the industry's clean energy transition needs.
While specific updates on the agency model rollout in Europe or Italy have not been detailed in the recent 2025 reporting, the company is focusing sharply on operational efficiency and geographic restructuring as core pillars of its turnaround. This includes plant closures in Canada and Mexico and significant reductions in U.S. sales, signaling a shift toward a leaner, more profitable presence in key markets such as Europe.
The agency model, initially intended to apply to Stellantis' European network, has been in operation in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands since 2023. This model gives Stellantis direct control of sales transactions and prices, with dealers responsible for deliveries and servicing. However, the recent high job reductions in Italy and cancellation of planned expansion projects suggest that the agency model’s deployment is being reevaluated or adjusted in response to current financial and market challenges.
In a recent development, Stellantis announced that it will suspend its planned agency model restructuring of its European network. The company's current COO of Stellantis Europe, Jean-Philippe Imparato, made the announcement at an event in Verona, Italy. The update aimed at enhancing the plan for Italy will be presented in June, or even before.
The new strategy does not mention any changes to the agency model restructuring in Europe. However, it does include an EU-wide scrappage scheme to help replace vehicles older than 10 years and government contributions for electric-vehicle battery production in Europe at €40 ($44.80) per kilowatt.
Stellantis will discuss the update with the Italian government soon, and the update will include areas such as engines and Stellantis's struggling brand Maserati. The new strategy does not mention any changes to the operations of the agency model in the aforementioned countries.
In summary, Stellantis is undergoing a strategic restructuring in Europe, focusing on operational efficiency and geographic restructuring. The company has cut 2,500 jobs in Italy linked to adapting the dealer network amid the clean energy transition, cancelled two significant European expansions within the agency model framework, and is implementing an EU-wide scrappage scheme. The company's new strategy does not mention any changes to the agency model restructuring in Europe, but it will discuss the update with the Italian government soon.
The cancellation of planned expansion projects within the agency model framework, combined with the suspension of its restructuring, indicates a potential review or adjustment of the agency model's deployment in Europe, given the financial and market challenges. The new strategy includes an EU-wide scrappage scheme for vehicles older than 10 years, yet it remains unclear if this adjustment will impact the agency model's operations in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
