Stellantis Dealers Were Unfavorable Toward Tavares, and He Was Aware of It | Carscoops

      Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares acknowledges that there are various aspects he could have approached differently during his tenure with the company.

      Carlos Tavares departed from Stellantis following a private discussion with chairman John Elkann, just as Trump’s auto tariffs were set to take effect. Although he has exited the automotive sector, Tavares continues to caution about challenges facing European car manufacturers.

      It has been a tumultuous period for Stellantis, which is now transitioning to a new leadership phase. Tavares, who held the CEO position for a long time, stepped down late last year amid contentious cost-reduction strategies that angered numerous influential groups, including the United Auto Workers union.

      Now, Stellantis is under the leadership of Antonio Filosa, who is succeeding Tavares. Despite the circumstances around his exit, Tavares has endorsed Filosa as a "logical" candidate for the position.

      Tavares' departure was not entirely smooth. In the lead-up to his exit, he encountered increasing criticism from labor organizations, dealership networks, and even from within Stellantis' own leadership and political realms. Tensions were escalating, and some observers indicated that his departure seemed imminent well before an official announcement was made, with calls from the UAW for his removal.

      However, in a recent interview with Bloomberg near Lisbon, Tavares clarified that he was not dismissed but chose to resign after discussions with chairman John Elkann. “I have nothing against anybody,” he remarked, adding, “Even those who made my life more difficult during my time as CEO of Stellantis. At a certain point, someone decides it’s time to part ways, and that’s perfectly acceptable.”

      Reflecting on his time at the company, Tavares recognizes that he could have handled some situations differently, particularly his difficulty in persuading US dealers to support his initiatives. “The dealers in the US were not inclined to back our efforts, which falls on me,” he remarked. “Many aspects could have been managed differently, but ultimately, the company is profitable.”

      As for the timing of his departure, Tavares seems to have escaped a challenging situation, sidestepping the potential complications brought by US President Trump’s tariffs that now fall to Filosa. “Hopefully, he will receive adequate support from the board,” Tavares stated following Filosa’s appointment. “Let’s see how it unfolds.”

      On a broader scale, the global industry is facing significant hurdles. Tavares has frequently highlighted the increasing competition from Chinese automakers, even suggesting last September that Stellantis should consider adopting a more Chinese approach. He remains doubtful about European brands' ability to compete with Chinese pricing in the EV market and believes they should concentrate on premium segments where they still have an edge.

      Regarding Tavares' current activities, after receiving $40 million in salary and severance from Stellantis, he is relishing life in his native Portugal. Tavares mentioned to Bloomberg that he still engages in motorsport by going to the racetrack about once a month, while also investing his substantial earnings into his farm and several hotels. Additionally, he is considering acquiring a stake in a small airline and is exploring business opportunities in artificial intelligence and fashion.

      “Previously, I was involved in twelve activities daily,” he noted. “Now I focus on five, but I engage with them more extensively and find greater enjoyment than before.”