Oct. 15, 2025 | Exclusive Interview: Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa talks $13 billion U.S. investment
About this episode
Stellantis is making waves with a historic $13 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, the largest since its founding as Chrysler a century ago. CEO Antonio Filosa discusses the ambitious plan to create over 5,000 jobs and boost production by 50% across several states. The episode also delves into the implications of recent DOE funding cancellations affecting major automakers and the surge in electric vehicle registrations driven by expiring tax credits. Insights from industry experts highlight the shifting landscape of auto manufacturing and the competitive market for EVs.
CEO Antonio Filosa talks about Stellantis’ plan to pour $13 billion into the U.S., its biggest move since Chrysler was founded 100 years ago. Stellantis and General Motors are on a list of mysterious Department of Energy award cancellations. Plus, electric vehicle registrations surged in August, revealing clear winners and losers from the tax credit rush.
Stellantis
"...Stellantis pours $13 billion into the US. Biggest move since Chrysler was founded 100 years ago..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Jeep and RAM. It was created when two companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Jeep, RAM, and Chrysler.
Dodge Ram
"...ment to do so. But instead of building a mid-size RAM pickup, the plant will make the Jeep Compass and ..."
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"... RAM pickup, the plant will make the Jeep Compass and Cherokee that were slated to be built outside the US. The ..."
Jeep Compass
"...the plant will make the Jeep Compass and Cherokee that were slated to be built outside the US..."
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that can handle rough roads and is good for everyday driving. It's a popular choice for people who want a mix of adventure and comfort.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that combines off-road capability with everyday practicality. It is designed for both urban and outdoor environments, making it a versatile choice for drivers.
RAM pickup
"...The RAM pickup will now be assembled in Toledo, Ohio, starting in 2028..."
The RAM pickup is a type of truck that is known for being powerful and good for carrying heavy loads. It's a favorite for people who need a tough vehicle for work or play.
The RAM pickup refers to a line of full-size trucks known for their strong performance, towing capacity, and comfort. They are popular among both commercial users and everyday drivers.
General Motors
"...the industry has its eyes on a mysterious list first published by the news outlet Semaphore that includes five awards for General Motors..."
General Motors is a major car company that makes popular brands like Chevrolet and GMC. They are known for producing a wide range of vehicles.
General Motors, often abbreviated as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac. It plays a significant role in the automotive industry, particularly in the United States.
electric vehicle
"...new electric vehicle registrations climbed 24% from a year earlier in August to about 138,000. That's as buyers rushed to get an expiring federal tax credit..."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are known for being better for the environment because they produce no tailpipe emissions.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, using batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in technology.
federal tax credit
"...buyers rushed to get an expiring federal tax credit and cash in on deep automaker discounts. There were clear winners and losers in August..."
A federal tax credit is money you can subtract from what you owe in taxes. For electric cars, this means you can pay less when you buy one because the government gives you some money back.
A federal tax credit is a reduction in the amount of tax owed to the government, which can help lower the overall cost of purchasing certain items, including electric vehicles. These credits are often used to incentivize the purchase of environmentally friendly products.
automaker discounts
"...buyers rushed to get an expiring federal tax credit and cash in on deep automaker discounts. There were clear winners and losers in August..."
Automaker discounts are price cuts that car companies give to help sell their cars. This can mean you pay less money when you buy a new car.
Automaker discounts refer to price reductions offered by car manufacturers to encourage sales. These discounts can come in the form of cash rebates, lower financing rates, or special lease offers.
mainstream models
"...as shoppers chased the best deals on mainstream models, while largely avoiding luxury brands. Auto-Pacific Chief Analyst Ed Kim says that's not a surprise."
Mainstream models are regular cars that most people buy. They are usually affordable and practical for everyday use.
Mainstream models are vehicles that are produced by automakers to appeal to a wide range of consumers, typically offering a balance of affordability, reliability, and practicality. These cars are often the best-selling models in the market.
luxury brands
"...as shoppers chased the best deals on mainstream models, while largely avoiding luxury brands. Auto-Pacific Chief Analyst Ed Kim says that's not a surprise."
Luxury brands are expensive car companies that make high-quality cars with lots of special features. They are usually bought by people who can afford to spend more money on a car.
Luxury brands refer to high-end automobile manufacturers that produce vehicles known for their premium features, performance, and status. These brands often come with a higher price tag and are targeted at affluent consumers.
MSRP
"But when you're talking about a vehicle that has an MSRP and like, you know, the $40,000 price range, well, as a percentage of that MSRP, $7,500 is a much bigger deal."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It serves as a guideline for pricing but can vary based on dealer markups or discounts.
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