Rome – The Italian auto market continued its upward trajectory in February, bolstered by lingering incentives for electric vehicle purchases, with overall sales rising 14% compared to February 2025, reaching 157,334 units. A key driver of this growth is Stellantis, the multinational automotive manufacturing corporation, which, under the leadership of its new CEO Antonio Filosa, has significantly increased its volume of deliveries. The company delivered 53,592 vehicles, a 27.7% increase, expanding its market share from 30.4% to 34%, according to initial reports.
Filosa, who assumed the CEO position in June 2025, succeeding Carlos Tavares, has quickly focused on revitalizing Stellantis’s performance. According to a press release from Stellantis on May 28, 2025, Filosa’s appointment was a strategic move to restore confidence and revitalize the company’s strategy. His extensive experience within Fiat, FCA, and Stellantis, including a recent stint as CEO of the Jeep brand, positions him to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.
Fiat’s Resurgence and the Leapmotor Partnership
The growth within Stellantis is largely attributed to a strong rebound for Fiat, which sold over 21,000 vehicles in February, a 42.9% increase. However, a surprising contributor to Stellantis’s success is its Chinese partner, Leapmotor, which surpassed established brands like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and even BYD, selling over 5,000 vehicles. BYD, whereas tripling its sales compared to February 2025, reached 4,110 units, falling behind Leapmotor’s performance. This strategic alliance demonstrates Stellantis’s approach to the growing Chinese automotive presence in the European market – if you can’t beat them, join them.
Electric Vehicle Market Trends and Tesla’s Decline
Despite the overall positive trend, Tesla experienced a 7% decline in sales in February, with only 786 units sold. This contrasts with the broader growth in the electric vehicle segment, where battery electric vehicles (BEVs) captured a 7.9% market share, totaling 12,572 units. This represents an increase from 5.0% in February 2025, and 6.6% the previous month, largely influenced by government incentives, according to Unrae, the Italian association of foreign car manufacturers.
The incentives offered by the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition (MASE) have demonstrably impacted the market, creating some distortions in competition. The success of Leapmotor, alongside the struggles of established players like Tesla, highlights the dynamic shifts occurring within the electric vehicle sector.
Filosa’s Background and Stellantis’s Strategy
Antonio Filosa’s career spans over 25 years in the automotive industry. As noted in his Wikipedia entry, he graduated with a degree in engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan and later earned an Executive MBA from Fundação Dom Cabral in Brazil. Prior to becoming CEO of Stellantis, Filosa served as Chief Operating Officer for the Americas and Chief Quality Officer, demonstrating a broad understanding of both North and South American markets. During his time as COO of South America, he successfully positioned Fiat as the market leader and significantly grew the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep brands.
The appointment of Filosa follows a period of decline for Stellantis in 2024, prompting a search for a leader capable of restoring profitability and confidence. His focus on volume and strategic partnerships, as evidenced by the Leapmotor collaboration, signals a shift in approach for the automotive giant.
The Italian automotive market’s performance in February provides a snapshot of a sector in transition. While traditional manufacturers like Fiat are experiencing a resurgence, new players and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping the competitive landscape. Stellantis, under Filosa’s leadership, appears to be adapting to these changes, leveraging both internal strengths and external partnerships to maintain its position in the market.
Looking ahead, the next key indicator will be Stellantis’s first-quarter earnings report, expected in May, which will provide a more comprehensive assessment of Filosa’s impact and the company’s overall performance. Consumers interested in staying informed about Stellantis’s developments can find updates on the company’s official media website: https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/corporate-communications/press/stellantis-announces-antonio-filosa-25-year-veteran-of-the-company-to-be-its-new-chief-executive-officer.
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