The new Stellantis Group is planning to electrify its fleet. But CEO Carlos Tavares was not really enthusiastic about the technology.
More electric, possible new models for starving brands and no plant closings: At the start of the mega-car manufacturer Stellantis, CEO Carlos Tavares outlined his plans for the Franco-Italian-American brand conglomerate.
Electromobility is an important component. The group's fleet of currently 29 models with all-electric drive or plug-in hybrids is expected to grow to 39 by the end of the year. From 2025 there should be at least one electrified model in every new model series. So far, the brands of the PSA Group - Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and DS - have been particularly strong when it comes to e-cars, while the technology is still rarely found in the FCA brands - including Fiat, Jeep and Alfa Romeo. Tavares, however, also strongly criticizes electromobility as primarily a politically driven development; he sees the danger that the high costs of technology will make mobility too expensive for many people in the world.
Tavares sees an opportunity in the new group constellation, especially for brands such as Alfa or Fiat with their aging product ranges. Due to volume effects, new models could be more profitable than before. For this reason, Stellantis does not want to liquidate any brands, at least for the time being - they are the capital of the group. Tavares has not yet announced any precise plans. Nor does he mention concrete model plans. However, it does not seem improbable that in the future models from the FCA arm of the organization could also use the vehicle architectures from PSA. This applies especially to Fiat, possibly also to Alfa Romeo. It is also still unclear whether and how individual brands could conquer new markets - for example Peugeot the US.
When asked how the individual parts of the company should work more efficiently and generate profits, Tavares cites Opel as an example. After many years in the red, the PSA group managed to become profitable again within a very short time. Plant closings, he emphasized, will not have to happen at Stellantis. Instead, they want to turn other adjusting screws. He left it largely open which of these should be. However, he warned - especially in the direction of Fiat - that a reasonable level of profitability and efficiency of the plants was necessary
In general, Tavares sees Opel as well positioned, even if there is still a lot of work to be done. The brand has to constantly adapt to the highly competitive market. The Stellantis CEO does not see a problem in profiling himself in the new multi-brand group, for example against Fiat. Opel is a German brand that remains German. Together with Peugeot, the Rüsselsheim-based company is settling in the high-volume segment, with Citroen and Fiat positioning themselves as the basic offering. Alfa Romeo, DS and Lancia see themselves as premium brands, the only luxury brand on offer is Maserati.