Struggling Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis is looking for a CEO to succeed Carlos Tavares, but the company says it's part of a normal leadership succession plan. Tavares has been under fire from U.S. dealers and the United Auto Workers union after a dismal first-half financial performance when the company was caught off guard with too much high-priced inventory on dealer lots.

Stellantis is searching for CEO Carlos Tavares' successor, the company said Monday, after the Chrysler parent laid out a plan to strengthen North America operations by slashing bloated inventories and cutting vehicle prices.

The company's chair is increasingly dissatisfied with the situation in North America, where sales have have slowed and several executives left.

Pressure on Tavares is rising due to Stellantis' poor performance in markets including the U.S., its biggest single profit pool.

Stellantis said on Monday it has begun a search for a candidate to succeed CEO Carlos Tavares, whose contract is set to expire in 2026.