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Setting the scene: who is Carlos Tavares?
Carlos Tavares is a leading figure in the global automotive industry. Born in Portugal in 1958, he has built an impressive impressive careerrising through the ranks of the sector's biggest companies.
After holding key positions positions at Renault and Nissanhe was appointed head of PSA (Peugeot, Citroën, DS...) in 2014 as Chairman of the Managing Board. Under his leadership, PSA has undergone a major transformation, moving from a delicate financial situation to a flourishing group.
In 2021, Carlos Tavares will take over the reins of Stellantis, the giant born of the merger between PSA and FCA (Fiat, AbarthAlfa Romeo...). A visionary and strategist, he quickly established himself as an advocate of profitability and innovation.
💡Did you know ? Carlos Tavares is currently co-chairman of the Advisory Board of the "Freedom of Mobility Forum", aimed at preserving freedom of movement in the face of climate challenges.
Carlos Tavares is currently Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis. Under his leadership, Stellantis has set itself the goal ofto offer sustainable, safe and accessible mobility solutionswhile rapidly transforming itself into a technology company dedicated to mobility.
To achieve this ambition, the company is relying on the rapid and rigorous execution of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic planwhich aims to make Stellantis the first first carmaker to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038.
In short, this approach has put Stellantis on the podium of the world's most profitable automakers by 2023, while accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
Nevertheless, these actions by Stellantis in favor of electric vehicles contradict what Carlos Tavares has said. In an online debate, the latter reaffirmed his position on the need to overcome the preconceived notion that the electric vehicle is a universal solution to mobilityapplicable worldwide.
We should move away from dogmatic thinking where one size fits all. I don't think that's going to work. Today's electric vehicles may be a solution for some of our societies, but not for all.
His arguments? Some Concerns about the weight of batteries and the cost of producing of electric vehicles, making them difficult to access for all markets.
A succession process already underway: what's the situation?
As stated in the preamble, Stellantis has initiated a succession process for its CEO Carlos Tavares, whose term of office will end at the beginning of 2026This move is considered "normal" for a group of this size, said the Franco-Italian-American automaker.
With just over a year to go before the expiry of a 5-year contract signed in January 2021, it is only natural that a Board of Directors should consider the matter with the necessary anticipation in view of the importance of the position, without this presaging future discussions.
According to Bloomberg, Stellantis president, John Elkannis currently looking for a successor to Carlos Tavaresbut does does not foresee any imminent change at the head of the company.
As a result, a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held early October at the Group's American headquarters in Auburn Hillsnear Detroit, with this issue on the agenda.
Last February, Carlos Tavares announced that he and Stellantis management would be discussing his succession as head of the automotive group. during the presentation of results for the first half of 2025scheduled for July of next year. He thus left all options open.
We don't know today what the situation will be. Will I take up another mandate or not? The Board of Directors will be sovereign, and I'm a member of the Board.
The appointment of Tavares' successor requires a balance between balance between :
- l'influence of the main unions,
- the ambitions of the Agnelli familymajority shareholder,
- as well as the interests of the French and Italian governments.
Thus, several potential suitors are mentioned, each offering a specific vision for the future of Stellantis. We potentially have :
- Roy Jakobs,
- Maxime Picat,
- Antonio Filosa,
- Michael Manley,
- Olivier François,
- Carlos Zarlenga,
- and Jean-Philippe Imparato.
The difficulty of the choice lies in several points, in particular :
- from manage social and political relations,
- the the need to reconcile strategic orientations,
- and understand understanding of key marketsparticularly in the United States.
The decision, influenced by developments in the sector and geopolitical issues, will have to respond to future challenges linked to competition, technological innovation and industrial consolidation.
Stellantis and Carlos Tavares: the final assessment of his reign
When Carlos Tavares took the reins at Stellantis, the global automotive landscape was in the throes of transformation. Known for his pragmatism and strategic vision, Tavares succeeded in making Stellantis one of the key players in electrification.
Yet his record leaves room for debate: did he really rise to the challenge of the electric vehicle, or did his decisions slow down this inevitable transition? As he departs, it's time to look back at the choices and strategies that marked his tenure.
Stellantis sales fall in North America
According to Bloomberg, John Elkann expresses growing dissatisfaction with the business situation in North Americawhere sales are down significantly. Carlos Tavares himself acknowledged at the end of July that the Group was going through a "very turbulent transition period"transition period an improvement in the second half of the year..
In July, Stellantis reported a sharp fall in its half-year results, mainly due to an 18% decline in sales in North America, a key region for the Group's profitability.
By initiating the succession process now, the possibility of extending the possibility of extending Carlos Tavares' term of office beyond the planned date loses credibility..
This fall is attributed to "temporary production shortages, due to a transitional renewal period"of certain key vehicles, notably the electric SUV Peugeot e-3008 electric SUV and the Ram 1500 pickup, the company said. But that's not all: this would also be due to the discontinuation of several models, such as :
- the Jeep Cherokee,
- the Jeep Renegade,
- the Dodge Charger,
- and the Dodge Challenger.
To consult : Slowdown or new beginning? Electric car sales
As a result, Stellantis' first-half net income came to €5.6 billion, down 48% decline from the record profit of €10.9 billion recorded at the beginning of 2023.
💡Did you know ? That same year, a historic strike paralyzed American car plants for over a month over wage demands. This mobilization reduced Stellantis' profitability by €750 million. However, this did not prevent Stellantis from becoming the 3rd most profitable automaker worldwide in 2023.
On top of this, the manufacturer is suffering the consequences on the financial markets, given that the majority of its investors are American. As a resultStellantis share dropped by almost 30% between the beginning of the year and August 21.
To offset this significant decline, the group plans to launch a series of series of 20 new models by the end of 2024including several electric models priced at under 25,000 euros, such as the Citroën ë-C3 (which will be on show at the Mondial de l'Auto 2024) and the electric city car Fiat Grande Panda.
Read more : New Fiat Grande Panda: the Italian city car that thinks big
Although these new vehicles weighed on finances in the first half of the year, they should boost should boost sales in the second half of the yearaccording to the CEO's forecasts. It remains uncertain, however, whether this will change the outcome scheduled for January 2026.
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Unhappy shareholders and union
The end of Carlos Tavares' term of office at Stellantis is marked by palpable tensions on the part of shareholders and unions alike.
On the one hand, several shareholders are expressing dissatisfaction with the company's performanceparticularly as competition intensifies in the electric vehicle sector.
They accuse management of having been slow to adopt adequate strategies to meet market challenges, resulting in a loss of confidence in the company's long-term vision. But that's not all: on August 15, investors investors took legal action against the companyaccusing it of issuing "misleadingmisleading statements"regarding its results.
💡Good to know It's important to note that the world leader in electric vehicles Tesla also reported a 45% drop in profits in Q2.
On the other, the powerful United Auto Workers (UAW) has made no secret of its indignation at recent announcements of job cuts and cost-cutting measures. The decision to cut 2,450 jobs at the Warren plant in (Michigan) has particularly inflamed tempers, with the union denouncing an approach that favors profits over jobs.
Also, on August 16, Shawn Fainpresident of the UAW, strongly criticized Carlos Tavares' strategy of cutting costs and moving upmarket.. This approach, which had enabled the CEO to achieve record profits in 2023, is now showing its limits at a time when household purchasing power is under considerable pressure.
This situation has also enabled political figures such as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to capitalize on this discontentfurther exacerbating tensions between the company and its social partners.
The 5 flagship electric cars released under his leadership
Carlos Tavares has left his mark on the automotive industry. As his term at the head of Stellantis is drawing to a closeit's time to take stock. Among his many achievements, the transition to electric vehicles transition to electric vehicles occupies a central place..
But which electric models have truly carried Tavares' vision forward? 5 flagship electric cars have marked this period, each in its own way, testifying to the ambitions and challenges of the Stellantis group.
From the compact city car to the electric sedan SUV, let's discover the models that have marked the history of electrification at Stellantis.
Peugeot e-208
Launched in 2019, this 100% electric city car has rapidly conquered the European market, becoming one of the best-selling models in its segment.
To consult : Top 5 best-selling electric vehicles in France in 2023
The Peugeot e-208 offers a range of 362 km (WLTP cycle) and a DC rapid charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutesmaking it perfectly perfectly suited to the daily needs of city-dwellers while meeting growing expectations in terms of sustainable mobility.
💡Did you know ? The Peugeot e-208 is available in 5 trim levels: Like, Active, Allure, GT Line, GT (the latter exclusively dedicated to the electric version).
Sound modern design and dynamic dynamic performance make it an attractive choice for those wishing to go electric without compromising on driving pleasure. Under Tavares, this model has also symbolized Stellantis' commitment to offering accessible vehicles, while preserving manufacturing quality and competitive profitability.
The refusal to produce the Peugeot e-208 in France, in favor of sites in Slovakia and Spain, has sparked debate about Tavares' industrial choices, particularly with regard to production costs and the competitiveness of European plants. production costs and the competitiveness of European plants.
Fiat 500e
Under the direction of Carlos Tavares, the Fiat 500e has become a symbol of Stellantis' commitment to the transition to electric mobility.. Launched in 2020, this reinvention of the legendary Italian city car embodies both Fiat's historic heritage and a forward-looking vision.Fiat's historic heritage and forward-looking vision.. Totally electric, the 500-e is distinguished by its compact, iconic designwhile offering performance tailored to the needs of urban mobility.
With a range of up to 331 kmit combines practicality and style to meet the growing demand for clean vehicles in Europe. What's more, its electric convertible version makes it a world first in the segment..
What's more, thanks to advanced technological features such as level 2 autonomous driving and fast charging options, the Fiat 500-e proves that electrification can be synonymous with elegance and modernity.
By appealing to the emotional fibre of consumers while remaining competitive, the Fiat 500-e has enabled Stellantis to establish itself in the small electric car market. small electric carsmarket a strategic segment for meeting environmental challenges.
Jeep Avenger
This model marked a new stage for Jeep, a brand traditionally associated with rugged off-road vehicles, by adapting to the demands of durability and consumer expectations.
Launched in 2023, the Jeep Avenger will be the first 100% electric SUV SUVcombining iconic Jeep features with efficient electric propulsion (top speed of 194 km/h).
With a range range of up to 400 kmit is aimed primarily at the European market, where electric compact SUVs are booming.
Indeed, by placing the Avenger at the heart of the electrification strategy, Tavares has strengthened Jeep's reputation while ensuring a smooth transition to cleaner mobility.. This model is more than just an electric vehicle: it also preserves the spirit of adventure so dear to the brand, while offering an innovative solution to environmental challenges.
Opel Astra-e
L'Opel Astra-e is without doubtone of the flagship electric cars of the Carlos Tavares era at Stellantis.. Under his leadership, Opel has undergone a major transition to electrification, symbolized by this electric compact that combines innovation and performance. Launched with a competitive range of 416 km and modern features, the Astra-e has won over a wide audience, from individuals to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
What's more, with its dynamic design and cutting-edge technologies, such as the intuitive intuitive digital instrument panel and advanced advanced driver assistance systemsit embodies theperfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Worth noting It is equipped with an NMC(Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery, the same as found in the Peugeot e-308 and the Jeep Avenger.
The Astra-e is an integral part of Stellantis Stellantis strategy of offering a range of accessible, sustainable vehiclesThe Astra-e is an integral part of Stellantis' strategy to offer a range of accessible and sustainable vehicles, meeting the requirements of new environmental legislation while offering a pleasant driving experience.
This legacy demonstrates Carlos Tavares' ability to steer historic brands like Opel towards an electrified future, while preserving their unique DNA.
Citroën ë-C4
Finally, the Citroën ë-C4 has established itself as a landmark electric model in Stellantis' energy transition. Launched in 2020, this electric sedan embodies the alliance between comfort, innovation and accessibility.
Although its initial range may have seemed limited, the ë-C4 was updated updated in September 2023 with a larger battery and a range of up to 360 km.. As a result, this electric car meets the expectations of urban and suburban drivers, while offering the smooth, quiet driving experience typical of electric vehicles.
The bold, modern design reflects Citroën's DNA, while on-board technologies such as the10-inch touchscreen and driving aidsenhance its appeal.
Worth noting The driver can select one of 3 driving modes, which adjust maximum speed and engine torque: Eco, Normal and Sport. What's more, "B" mode offers intensified engine braking, maximizing energy recovery during braking and deceleration.
This example illustrates Tavares' diversification strategy, which has capitalized on the reputation of the Group's brands to accelerate the electrification of the range, while maintaining a balance between innovation and profitability.
Conclusion
Carlos Tavares' tenure at Stellantis will leave a complex legacy. On the one hand, his rigorous management has enabled Stellantis to position itself as an electromobility leader with several iconic models. On the other, his criticism of electric vehicles and the difficulties encountered in North America raise questions about the continuity of this transition under his successor.
The mission of Stellantis' future leader will therefore be to consolidate this electric momentum, while meeting the challenges of global markets and technological innovation. Against this backdrop, demand for clean, affordable mobility solutions continues to grow.
This is where Beev comes into play. Whether you're an individual or a company, Beev simplifies access to electric vehicles and charging stations by helping you with your project. So, are you ready to take the step towards more sustainable mobility? Find out how Beev can help you embrace the electric future today.
