For his last Paris Motor Show, Carlos Tavares gave an interview to BFM Business. He discusses without “taboo” the future of the group and the impact of Chinese vehicles on the European market.
The Paris Motor Show has opened its doors. A day reserved for the press, Monday is a series of conferences from the manufacturers present. On stand C3, Carlos Tavares is waiting for his interview on BFM Business. “He is on the Leapmotor stand,” says the Stellantis boss’s team. An anecdote that says a lot about the strategy of the group with 14 brands*.
While the European Union is arguing with Beijing over the surcharges applied to electric vehicles manufactured in China, is the small Chinese manufacturer the new ace up the automobile giant’s sleeve?
“What we are looking to do is take advantage of the dynamic of Chinese cars in Europe, which we will use to ensure the future of Stellantis. There is a Chinese offensive in Europe (…) we are looking to take advantage of it “, replied Carlos Tavares to BFM Business.
The small Chinese brand will in fact help the automobile giant to deploy an offer that it lacks and that consumers are waiting for. This is an entry-level electric car. In September, Stellantis announced the opening of orders for the Leapmotor T03, sold from 19,500 euros. The first customers will be delivered in October.
This price positions it as one of the cheapest electric cars on the European market, alongside the Dacia Spring. But, unlike the Spring which is assembled in China, the Leapmotor T03 is assembled in Poland, in the Fiat factory in Tychy. It therefore avoids surcharges from the European Commission targeting Chinese vehicles.
Purchase offers for French manufacturers from China
This strategy raises questions for the future of the group’s other brands. With strong competition from China, will some disappear or be sold?
“I place myself as the first defender of the brands that we have, particularly in Europe and particularly in France. That being said, there is no taboo,” replies Carlos Tavares.
A subject which could have serious consequences, with European factories which could close, and which Carlos Tavares prefers to avoid. “It’s too early to talk about it. We’ll see how we come out of the next twenty months.”
However, the director of Stellantis reveals that “the Chinese” have already asked him “to sell them brands”.
“I don’t want to mention them out of courtesy (…) but they asked me to sell European and even French brands and I refused,” he says.
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis – 10/14
Carlos Tavares’ last World Cup
For Carlos Tavares, this 2024 edition of the Paris Motor Show will be the last. Indeed, he will retire at the end of his mandate, in 2026.
“After forty-five years in the automobile industry, I told myself that at 68 years old and after consulting my wife, it was time to turn the page.”
The announcement was made official on October 3 during an event held in Sochaux. The leader says he made this decision on his “own initiative”. It now sets itself the objective of managing the shift in energy transition.
“This is an extremely delicate, extremely dangerous shift. I want to ensure that the company, at the start of 2026, has fully emerged from this difficult period with sustainability based on recurring results and a robust technological situation. and which gives satisfaction to our customers.”
*Stellantis group brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall.
