Automobile manufacturer Stellantis shelves plan for introduction of the dealer agency model across Europe
Stellantis Suspends Agency Model Restructuring in Europe, Focuses on Profitability and Brand Optimization
Stellantis, the automaker behind brands such as Maserati and Chrysler, has announced that it is suspending its agency model restructuring plan in Europe. The decision comes as the company navigates a challenging economic landscape, with sluggish deliveries, excess production capacity, and costs related to restructuring headcount.
The agency model, which would give Stellantis direct control of sales transactions and prices, with dealers responsible for deliveries and servicing, has been in operation in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands since 2023. However, the system has not been implemented across all of Stellantis' European network and will not be extended further at this time. Instead, the traditional dealership framework will be maintained.
The announcement was made at an event in Verona, Italy, by Stellantis' current COO for Europe, Jean-Philippe Imparato. Imparato also revealed that the company will present a new business strategy to support automotive manufacturing in the European Union. The update for Italy will focus on enhancing the existing plan for auto production in Italy, addressing changes that have occurred since the initial plan was announced in December 2021.
Stellantis' new strategy will also address high labor costs and onerous regulation in the European Union. One key measure will be the introduction of an EU-wide scrappage scheme to help replace vehicles older than 10 years. The company will also present a new plan to comply with emission rules, which have been extended by three years to 2028.
The suspension of the agency model restructuring plan in Europe is part of Stellantis' broader strategic restructuring under new CEO Antonio Filosa, who took over in June 2025. Filosa's turnaround plan prioritizes product innovation, brand portfolio optimization, and geographic restructuring, notably outside Europe in North America and South America.
Financially, Stellantis has taken heavy charges in 2025, mainly related to headcount restructuring and model/program changes, with no direct mention of agency model costs or developments. The company is aiming for gradual improvement and restored profitability, while navigating multiple headwinds—US tariffs, falling demand in Europe, and the electric vehicle transition.
Many dealers opposed the change, arguing that it further compressed their margins in challenging economic conditions. It remains to be seen if and when Stellantis will revisit the agency model restructuring plan in Europe. As of August 2025, there have been no new developments publicly disclosed.
The suspension of Stellantis' agency model restructuring plan in Europe signifies a shift towards maintaining the traditional dealership framework, amidst financial challenges and sluggish deliveries. In light of this, Stellantis will focus on product innovation, brand optimization, and geographic restructuring, especially in the automotive industry and finance sectors, as revealed by the company's new strategic plan.
