DETROIT, March 21 (Reuters) - Jeep-maker Stellantis ( STLA ) is

offering a new round of buyouts for some of its U.S. factory

workers as the automaker looks to cut costs following a

difficult 2024.

The automaker confirmed on Friday that it is offering voluntary

buyouts to some workers at facilities in Detroit, Ohio and

Illinois.

"Stellantis ( STLA ) continues to review its operations to improve

efficiency and protect its competitiveness in a very dynamic

market," the company said in a statement.

The United Auto Workers union, which represents most

Stellantis ( STLA ) factory workers, said in a statement it had

negotiated a package with Stellantis' ( STLA ) new leadership team that

gives workers as many options as possible.

"For those ready to retire, there's a clear path. For others,

voluntary termination is now on the table," the UAW said.

The Detroit Free Press earlier reported the buyouts.

The relationship between the union and automaker soured under

former CEO Carlos Tavares, who abruptly left Stellantis ( STLA ) in

December after U.S. vehicle sales dropped.

UAW President Shawn Fain claimed the automaker failed to keep

the commitments it made in its 2023 bargaining deal, and laid

the groundwork for a nationwide walkout. The company later sued

the UAW in federal court.

Stellantis ( STLA ) Chairman John Elkann is now leading the search

for Tavares' successor, who will be announced in the first half

of this year.

The transatlantic automaker's cost-cutting blitz began

before Tavares' exit. Stellantis ( STLA ) laid off 400 U.S. salaried

workers in March 2024 after twice offering buyouts to groups of

thousands of U.S. workers in 2023.

Employees have until May 8 to decide whether to accept this

latest offer, the company said.