Several automakers have struggled with sales in 2024. However, Stellantis has seemingly had it the worst when it comes to getting cars off dealer lots. Naturally, this has led to widespread layoffs and other cost-cutting measures. Now, one Jeep dealership owner is speaking out about the toll this most recent round of Stellantis layoffs will cause. 

Stellantis cars are still sitting on dealership lots 

Of course, Stellantis recently announced that it plans to lay off more than 1,000 people from its Toledo plant by early January as sales for its cars continue to slide. Notably, this is where they produce the Jeep Gladiator and the Wrangler. Now, according to WTOL, Ralph Mahalak Jr, owner of the Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM Superstore, is reacting to the news. 

About his experience selling Stellantis cars, he says, “This is definitely the worst year we’ve had in a long, long time.” He then explains the issue with sales by saying, “Higher interest rates. When I’ve got six Stellantis stores and, let’s say, $60 million worth of cars, and interest rates double, that’s very costly to me.”

However, he has other reasons why Stellantis cars aren’t selling. According to him, the company needs to provide more information about the vehicles buyers want. He says, “When is the Gladiator hybrid coming out? Because there was supposed to be a Gladiator hybrid coming and it just seems like I haven’t gotten notification on when it’s coming.”

He also blames the massive layoffs for the highly requested Gladiator hybrid not having happened yet. Ralph adds, “We can get these UAW guys and gals back to work, gainfully employed and having fun.”

Regarding the Jeep Gladiator, it sold more than 60,000 units two years ago. However, it’s only sold a little more than half that in all of 2024. With the layoffs, Stellantis plans to scale back production on the Jeep truck and other cars.