Stellantis seeks to rebuild relations with dealers and partners
Rejoining ACEA signals more unified stance on EU carbon targets
Elkann39;s leadership reassures investors, shares rebound over 18

MILANDETROIT, Dec 16 Reuters Steered by Chairman John Elkann, Stellantis , owner of 14 brands including Fiat, Jeep and Ram, is acting swiftly to dismantle the legacy of its former CEO and repair relations with dealers, industry partners, governments and workers.

Carlos Tavares abruptly resigned on Dec. 1, almost 18 months before the expiry of his contract, as a rift widened between the board and main shareholders of the world39;s fourthlargest carmaker.

While it seeks a new CEO, Stellantis is being run by an interim executive committee, chaired by Elkann.

Having warned on profits at the end of September and facing a bloated inventory, Stellantis cannot afford to drift under its temporary leadership.

Elkann, 48, is the scion of the Agnelli family that founded Italian carmaker Fiat more than a century ago. He also chairs Ferrari and runs the Exor Agnelli family holding.

The new approach will be tested on Tuesday, when the automaker39;s representatives meet Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso and local unions to try to agree a longterm plan for production in Italy.

The company the country39;s sole major automaker may pledge to expand output and protect jobs in return for improved manufacturing conditions and government support for the industry39;s electric transition,…