As the European automotive sector navigates a new wave of transformation, the 2025 Automotive News Europe Congress held June 11–12 in Turin will serve as a vital forum for industry leaders to address the forces reshaping the market. Under the banner “Driving the Future: AI-Powered Innovation, Global Trade & Tariff Dynamics, and EU Emission Regulation Challenges,” the event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers including senior figures from Hyundai, Toyota, Renault, Smart and Stellantis.
Stellantis at a Crossroads
Among the most anticipated voices this year is Jean-Philippe Imparato, the newly appointed Head of Europe at Stellantis. Imparato’s appearance comes at a crucial juncture for the company. Following the unexpected departure of founding CEO Carlos Tavares in late 2024, Stellantis has been working to regain its footing amid mounting inventory levels, a strained cash position and shifting regulatory pressures.
A Legacy of Leadership
Imparato brings a rich legacy of leadership to his expanded role. Known for steering Peugeot through a successful global repositioning and most recently for revitalizing Alfa Romeo into a leaner, more focused brand, he has earned a reputation as a pragmatic strategist with a sharp commercial instinct.
Now, as head of the automaker’s newly enlarged Europe region, Imparato is tasked with realigning operations and reigniting performance across a sprawling portfolio that includes household names such as Fiat, Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia.
Repositioning Europe for Long-Term Stability
Stellantis has historically delivered above-market results in Europe, but recent headwinds including a volatile economic climate and intensifying global EV competition have forced the group to rethink its approach. At the Congress, Imparato is expected to unveil a high-level strategic vision to steer the company through these headwinds and back toward sustainable growth.
Key Priorities for Stellantis Europe
- Right-Sizing Inventories: Rebalancing supply chains and vehicle stock levels to reflect post-COVID demand realities and consumer shifts toward electrification.
- Cost Discipline: Addressing the cash-flow challenges that have emerged amid slowing demand and rising production costs across the region.
- Brand Focus: Continuing to differentiate Stellantis’ brands, particularly by clarifying the value proposition for European consumers navigating between mass-market and premium segments.
- Electric Transition: Accelerating the rollout of next-generation EVs while adapting to more flexible CO₂ targets recently introduced by the EU.
- Tariff Adaptation: Preparing for ripple effects from potential trade actions in both the U.S. and China that could influence sourcing and competitiveness.
Leadership in an Era of Change
The departure of Tavares marked more than just a leadership change it signaled the end of an era of relentless expansion and consolidation. Now, with Imparato at the helm in Europe, the focus is shifting toward operational excellence, agility and long-term brand resilience.
Turin: The Right Stage for a New Chapter
For Imparato, speaking in Turin a city deeply embedded in the DNA of several Stellantis brands, especially Fiat offers a fitting backdrop to signal the group’s intent to reconnect with its European roots while preparing for a globally competitive future.
Attendees at the 2025 Automotive News Europe Congress will gain firsthand insight into how Stellantis plans to respond to the toughest questions it has faced since its inception: Can it adapt quickly enough to new market dynamics? Can it turn operational discipline into lasting advantage? And can it stay ahead in an industry where the pace of disruption shows no sign of slowing?
With Jean-Philippe Imparato’s steady hand guiding the transition, the answers may well begin in Turin.
