Carlos Tavares Endorses Antonio Filosa as New Stellantis CEO!

Since his tense departure from Stellantis in 2024, Carlos Tavares has kept a low profile. Breaking his silence, he commented on the appointment of his successor, Antonio Filosa, describing the choice as “logical and credible.” The former executive also shared a bleak outlook on the future of the European automotive industry.

A Departure Devoid of Bitterness Yet Not Without Strain

Officially, Carlos Tavares left Stellantis voluntarily at the end of 2024, following what he called a “direct and mature” conversation with John Elkann. Unofficially, the pressures of management, a decline in profits for the year, and team discontent hastened his exit. Still, he insists he harbors no resentment, even towards those who made his life more challenging. With 35 million euros in his pocket, he has settled in Portugal, where he leads an active retirement.

He Deems His Successor Worthy

Speaking to Bloomberg, Tavares described Antonio Filosa’s appointment as “logical and credible.” Filosa, the former head of Jeep and leader of operations in the Americas, is set to officially take over on June 23. Having previously worked at Fiat and then FCA, Filosa is well-versed in the organization’s intricacies, earning him the board’s support. Tavares expressed hope that Filosa will receive “full support” in his role, while subtly acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.

Antonio Filosa

A Bitter Outlook on Europe’s Automotive Future

More than his departure, it’s Tavares’s analysis of the state of the industry that captures attention. He predicts an inevitable wave of mergers among European automakers, necessitated by cost pressures, price wars with China, and forced electrification due to regulatory demands. He believes European brands have yet to find the right economic balance between combustion and electric vehicles. His tone is serious, with no illusions about the sustainability of the current model.

An Active Retiree

Residing in the Douro Valley in Portugal, Tavares is investing in his farm, his vineyard, some hotels, and exploring projects related to aviation or AI. He continues to race on tracks once a month. But behind this seemingly peaceful life, the former CEO remains passionate about his field and keeps a critical eye on the industry’s evolution. For Antonio Filosa, the message seems clear: there is no room for error.

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