In a statement, ACEA welcomed Stellantis’ renewed application to join the association. “Given the unprecedented competitiveness crisis in Europe and the collective need to overcome the challenges of the green transition, it is more important than ever that we stand united,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, who currently holds the presidency of ACEA. “ACEA members may be competitors in the market, but they all share the same goal: a competitive and sustainable transition to zero-emission mobility, in a Europe that can prove its position globally. We will continue to work on this with all our energy and commitment.”
In September, Tavares repeated his public criticism of the association. On the one hand, he criticized the Association’s proposal to postpone the 2025 CO2 targets by two years in the short term. In the longer term, Tavares accused ACEA of calling for significant relief to phase out combustion engines in 2035 without need.
Shortly after the decision was made in 2022 to only allow new cars with zero grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions to be registered in the EU from 2035, Stellantis left the European Automobile Manufacturers Association under Tavares’ leadership. He saw the political decision as evidence of the failure of the pressure exerted by the association against this measure. Stellantis can then also save you significant membership fees.
The request from Stellantis’ interim management is likely due to an upcoming change in strategy. Tavares’ stance on CO2 targets is also said to be one of the reasons for his early departure. The John Elkann-led board is said to have also called on Stellantis to advocate for a relaxation of EU-level regulations – something Tavares allegedly rejected so vehemently that he became increasingly isolated within the management team. In order to avoid having to pay fines to the EU, Tavares reportedly wanted to reduce combustion engine production if Stellantis could not sell enough electric cars.
The search for a successor to Carlos Tavares continues at Stellantis. The position is unlikely to be held by someone as hard-line on carbon dioxide targets as Tavares.
acea.auto, automobilwoche.de (in German)
