In hindsight, previous errors usually turn into a lot clearer. Nonetheless, Carlos Tavares denies being fired after clashing with folks inside Stellantis. As a substitute, he selected to depart on his phrases following what he described as a “very mature” dialog with chairman John Elkann, who additionally holds the identical position at Ferrari. Tavares, the previous chief of the 14-brand automotive conglomerate, resigned in December 2024, regardless of having a CEO contract legitimate via early 2026.
Throughout his time at Stellantis, Tavares admitted he may have completed “tons of issues” in another way. His largest remorse was failing to win the help of US sellers for his agenda, which targeted closely on cost-cutting. However in an interview with Automotive Information, he stated the previous “doesn’t matter” as a result of the “firm is worthwhile.” Nonetheless, web revenue collapsed by 70 p.c final 12 months in comparison with 2023.
“I’ve nothing towards anyone. Even those that made my life tougher once I was the CEO of Stellantis. At one time limit there’s a crossroad and any individual decides that it’s time to half methods. That’s nice.”
After a six-month search, Stellantis lastly appointed a brand new CEO final week. Former Jeep chief Antonio Filosa will take over on June 23. Tavares described his successor as a “logical, credible selection,” however acknowledged the challenges forward, particularly amid the “chaos” attributable to tariff wars.
Filosa additionally inherits the complicated job of managing a sprawling portfolio of manufacturers, a number of of that are underperforming. Whether or not all of them will stay beneath the Stellantis umbrella stays unsure. Though rumors circulated a few Maserati sale, they had been rapidly denied. Lancia’s relaunch has gotten off to a sluggish begin, whereas manufacturers like DS Cars and Abarth will not be precisely flourishing both.
Within the US, reviving Chrysler should be a precedence fairly than permitting it to stagnate as a minivan model. Repairing strained relationships with sellers can be essential. And with Tavares gone, extra V-8 fashions for America may assist mend a few of the rifts. Tavares expressed hope that Filosa “can be correctly supported by the board” as he takes on these selections.
Photograph by: Stellantis
The management transition comes at a time when, based on Tavares, the auto trade is in “survival mode.” Simply weeks earlier than stepping down, he warned that legacy automakers can survive provided that they obtain value parity between electrical and gasoline automobiles. In the end, Tavares selected to step away throughout a interval of great upheaval, creating house for Filosa to try to steer the Stellantis ship again heading in the right direction.
It is secure to say that the brand new CEO has a big problem forward. He should rebuild what went unsuitable in recent times whereas navigating tariffs, fierce competitors, and mounting regulatory strain in Europe to speed up the electrification course of.
