Car manufacturers' association ACEA: Stellantis returns

Following the resignation of long-time boss Carlos Tavares, Stellantis is returning to the European manufacturers' association ACEA. According to information from industry circles, Europe's second-largest car manufacturer intends to rejoin the lobby organization at the turn of the year. The company did not initially confirm the information. The major German manufacturers as well as competitor Renault are members of the association.

Complaints about lack of influence

In the summer of 2022, Tavares personally campaigned to leave the association in Brussels, which he accused of having too little political influence. In particular, the ACEA had failed to prevent the de facto ban on new cars with combustion engines in the EU from 2035. At the time, Tavares had spoken out in favor of a completely technology-neutral approach. In the end, it was decided to set the fleet limit value to zero. This is not possible with combustion engines that run on petrol or diesel from crude oil. This is why there is often talk of a ban on combustion engines. However, it is up to the manufacturers to decide how they can technically achieve zero local emissions.

Tavares had trimmed the 14-brand Stellantis group for efficiency with a firm hand, but had to slash profit expectations this year after fewer Jeeps and Dogdes were sold, particularly in the USA. Initially, his contract, which expires in 2026, was not to be extended until Tavares tendered his immediate resignation. A search for a successor is currently underway.

(mfz)