Stellantis Appoints Carlos Zarlenga to Lead North American EV Push
Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker, has set ambitious targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales and appointed a new leader for its North American operations. Carlos Zarlenga, who steered Stellantis Mexico to record sales and profits, will drive the company's electrification efforts in the region.
By 2030, Stellantis aims for all its passenger car sales in Europe to be electric, with half of U.S. sales following suit. To achieve this, the company is investing over $52.9 billion in the next decade. Carlos Zarlenga, previously president of Stellantis' Mexican operations, has been chosen to lead this transformation in North America. He will replace Mark Stewart, whose departure was not explained.
Zarlenga's appointment comes after a successful stint in Mexico. Under his leadership, Stellantis Mexico's sales surged by 30% in 2023, marking its best year since 2012 and boosting market share. The company also reported record profits during this period. Before joining Stellantis in 2022, Zarlenga held various leadership roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and served as president and CEO of General Motors South America.
To facilitate this transition, Stellantis will offer $50,000 buyouts to production workers represented by the United Auto Workers union in 2024 and 2026.
Carlos Zarlenga's proven leadership and track record make him an ideal candidate to drive Stellantis' electrification efforts in North America. With ambitious targets set and significant investment committed, the company is poised to make substantial strides towards its EV goals under Zarlenga's guidance.
