Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
Trail-Tested and Top-Ranked: Jeep Gladiator Claims #1 Spot in 2025 J.D. Power Quality Study
Stellantis is making significant strides in vehicle quality, as reflected in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Jeep® Gladiator secured the top position in the Midsize Pickup segment, excelling in seven out of ten evaluated categories, including driving experience, infotainment, and interior design. This achievement marks the second time in three years that the Gladiator has led its segment. Additionally, the Jeep Wrangler ranked second in the Compact SUV category, contributing to a 13-point improvement for the Jeep brand overall. The Chrysler Pacifica also performed well, finishing second in the Minivan segment, which helped the Chrysler brand achieve a 13-point gain in the study.
Dodge demonstrated remarkable progress, climbing 24 positions to rank seventh overall—the most significant improvement among all automotive brands in the 2025 IQS. These advancements underscore Stellantis' commitment to enhancing vehicle quality and customer satisfaction across its brands. Yuri Rodrigues, Senior Vice President of Quality for Stellantis North America, emphasized the company's focus on listening to customers and prioritizing quality in every decision.
Filosa’s First Day: Stellantis CEO Launches Leadership Overhaul to Steer Jeep’s Future
On June 23, 2025, Antonio Filosa officially stepped into his role as CEO of Stellantis, the global automaker behind Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and more. Wasting no time, Filosa initiated a significant leadership reshuffle aimed at revitalizing the company amid declining sales and intensified competition.
Filosa, a 25-year veteran of the company, will retain his position as head of North America and American brands, underscoring his commitment to strengthening Stellantis's performance in its most profitable market. The new leadership structure emphasizes regional expertise and agility, with key appointments including CFO Doug Ostermann taking on additional responsibilities for mergers and acquisitions, and Jean-Philippe Imparato continuing to lead European operations, now also overseeing Maserati.
This strategic realignment comes as Stellantis faces a 14% drop in first-quarter sales and a nearly 30% decline in stock value year-to-date. Filosa's leadership marks a shift towards a more collaborative and regionally focused approach, aiming to navigate the challenges of electrification, global competition, and evolving market dynamics.
For Jeep enthusiasts and stakeholders, these changes signal a renewed focus on innovation and market responsiveness, with Filosa's leadership poised to drive the brand's evolution in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
New Stellantis CEO Signals Course Correction: Strategic Review Aims to Refocus U.S. Jeep Momentum
Stellantis' new CEO, Antonio Filosa, has initiated a comprehensive review of the company's long-term strategic plan, signaling a potential shift from the "Dare Forward 2030" roadmap established in 2022. This plan, which aimed to double net sales and achieve significant electric vehicle (EV) market penetration, faced challenges due to operational difficulties in the U.S. and Europe, leading to unmet targets and the departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares.
Filosa, who continues to oversee North American operations, is focusing on revitalizing Stellantis' performance, particularly in the U.S. market. The strategic review may address the company's extensive 14-brand portfolio, with underperforming brands like Alfa Romeo and Maserati under scrutiny. Additionally, Stellantis is considering adjustments to its electrification strategy, possibly increasing emphasis on hybrid models in response to evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.
