DETROIT, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Automaker

Stellantis achieved its goal of cutting U.S.

inventories by over 100,000 vehicles late last year, its North

American chief said at the Detroit Auto Show Friday.

Antonio Filosa, who has been leading the carmaker's North

American operations since last October, described its efforts to

turn around a slumping business in the region in the wake of

former CEO Carlos Tavares' abrupt departure.

"(This) represents a very big improvement. That cost us a

lot, but was needed," Filosa said.

In September, Stellantis ( STLA ) said it was targeting dealer

inventory of no more than 330,000 vehicles by the end of 2024.