Ford is not alone in facing some strong headwinds globally, as Chinese automakers continue their expansion in China and Europe. Stellantis – the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, among other brands – is also facing uncertainty on a more severe scale than Ford. And many of those directly impacted by the company’s actions placed some of the blame for company’s plight squarely on CEO Carlos Tavares. Those same individuals and organizations were likely relieved to hear that the head of the sprawling automaker stepped down as its leader over the weekend after about four years running the company.
Carlos Tavares resigned as Stellantis CEO yesterday, according to the Associated Press, with the departure effective immediately. In 2024, the company took steps to improve profitability and recently announced a plan to consolidate its footprint in the UK. It also offered buyouts to American workers earlier this year before slashing its earnings forecast, as demand for its North American lineup dried up. Its U.S. dealer network lost faith in corporate leadership due to a lack of affordable models and the escalating prices of established nameplates. Additionally, it attracted the United Auto Workers’ ire when it seemingly opted to ignore the contract ratified at the end of 2023. Currently, reports suggest the company will axe some of its brands as it struggles to regain its footing. The electrified Ram 1500 pickups have been delayed to 2025, having originally been projected to land on dealer lots by now.
While Stellantis fiddles, Ford also faces a number of similar challenges. For starters, it announced its intent to reduce its European footprint and eliminate 4,000 positions, mostly in Germany and the UK. It also has cut back on EV production, including the recently launched Ford Explorer and Capri EVs. Earlier this year, Ford cancelled its three-row EV program and pushed back the next-generation Ford F-150 Lightning launch to 2027. The current Ford F-150 Lightning is also on a production hiatus due to low demand.
Sales increased 0.7 percent to 26,527 units during the first six months of 2025.
Interest-free financing and more on subcompact luxury crossover.
A very nice example of this generation SUV.
A feature that could come in handy during extremely cold temps.
Many are carrying that debt into new vehicle purchases.
Something it did just a couple of years ago, too.
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While Tavares had a special knack for rubbing everyone the wrong way, the reality is that there are too many automobile manufacturers. Consolidation is needed.
Maybe, but the fact of the matter is that all automakers became fat, greedy and arrogant during the pandemic and refuse to change now, under different conditions. Some, maybe jokingly, maybe not, are convinced that top auto execs are all stoned on something strong, as well, particularly the ones that still believe they can market a billion EVs.
Certainly agree with this. The creation of Stellantis reminded me of the many British brands which ended up being moved under the British Leyland flag in the seventies and eighties. Many models competing in the same markets that needed harmonising onto common platforms to keep them profitable. Stellantis seem to be making a good job of it so far and on a global scale. Can't blame the guy for facing up to what must be done to survive.
He didn't resign; he was pushed out, and deservedly so. He's just the first in a line of suspects. Nissan, VW, Ford and GM are up there too. 2025 is shaping up to be a totally chaotic year and far from just in the auto world.
Tavares sucked. In fact, many of this generation's out of touch Boomer execs can't retire soon enough.
The creation of Stellantis reminded me of the many British brands which ended up being moved under the British Leyland flag in the seventies and eighties. Many models competing in the same markets that needed harmonising onto common platforms to keep them profitable. Stellantis seem to be making a good job of it so far and on a global scale. Can't blame the guy for facing up to what must be done to survive.
Tavares problem was he couldn't see past the Euro mindset. He assumed the play took for Europe would work for the US, and that Americans were just clamoring for European desineoxars. He was dead wrong.