The unusual effort is a measure of how hard-pressed CEO Carlos Tavares is to cut the sprawling automaker’s payroll in major markets in Europe as he strives to make good on $5.7 billion of synergies pledged as part of the 2021 merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
France alone could see as many as 10,000 departures by the end of 2025, according to estimates by some unions.
Like rivals across Europe rapidly shifting to electric vehicles, Stellantis — with 14 brands and some 300,000 employees globally — is under pressure to trim its work force. EVs are simpler to produce and require fewer workers than combustion-engine vehicles.
Emails that promote career moves outside Stellantis are to help those who might be interested in a voluntary departure, a company spokesman said.