Episode Details

Triple Duty

Matt McAlear will be a very busy man this year. Currently the CEO of Dodge, Stellantis has appointed McAlear not just one more role, but two. Effective immediately, McAlear is now the CEO of Chrysler, as well as the head of Alfa Romeo North America.

Some key highlights of McAlear's career? Well, he's been with the company for 13 years, coming from the days of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. He was responsible for launching the Pacifica way back in 2016, and also led the launch of the all-new Dodge Charger. With three brands under his wing, he has an entirely different challenge ahead of him.

The State of Alfa Romeo and Chrysler

Chrysler actually had a steady 2025 sales rally. It sold more Pacificas and Voyagers than in 2024, but growth was ultimately hampered by the discontinuation of the 300. By the end of the year, the company had sold 126,373 vehicles, representing a 1 percent gain over 2024's numbers. Chrysler shifted 110,006 Pacificas, 15,792 Voyagers, and 574 300s last year.

As for Alfa Romeo, it's a mixed bag. The good news is that global sales are up by 20.1 percent, with rapid growth in Europe further aided by expansion in Asia. The bad news is, U.S sales could've easily plunged the company into deeper trouble if it wasn't for sales abroad. While other markets gained, U.S sales dropped by 36 percent. Alfa Romeo sold just 5,652 vehicles last year, consisting of 2,414 Tonales, 1,872 Stelvios, and 1,366 Giulias.

The Challenges

On Chrysler's end, the company can't just survive on one model alone. Okay, it's technically two, but they're essentially two peas in a pod at this point. That said, there will be three all-new models planned for the brand, namely a hybrid minivan, a crossover, and an EV. It's now up to McAlear to actually get the production of those vehicles up and running after a series of costly cancelled products.

As for Alfa Romeo, McAlear will be working with one hand tied behind its back. Despite critical acclaim, the Giulia and Stelvio are staying glued to showroom floors, and the age of these models are defenitely not helping. Tonale sales haven't exactly taken off, either, and its association with the discontinued Dodge Hornet might have hurt its chances. But hope is not lost as successors for the Giulia and Stelvio are underway, but it'll be a couple more years before we see them.

Listen Now