The Dealers Didn’t Want Tavares And He Knew It

Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares admits he could have done many things differently while leading the company

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It’s been a turbulent stretch for Stellantis , and now the automaker is entering a new chapter of leadership. Long-standing CEO Carlos Tavares left the conglomerate late last year on the back of controversial cost-cutting measures that upset many powerful figures, including the United Auto Workers union.

Now, Stellantis is shifting gears under the direction of Antonio Filosa, who’s stepping in as Tavares’ successor. Despite the circumstances, Tavares has publicly called Filosa a “logical” choice for the role.

Read: Carlos Tavares Got $24 Million As Stellantis Crashed And Burned

Tavares’ exit wasn’t exactly smooth. In the months leading up to his departure, he faced mounting criticism not just from labor groups and dealership networks, but also from within Stellantis’ own leadership and from political circles. There was growing tension across the board, and some observers noted that his time at the helm appeared to be winding down well before any formal announcement. The UAW even pushed for him to be removed.

However, during a recent interview with Bloomberg near Lisbon, Tavares insists he was not fired, but rather chose to leave the automaker after speaking with chairman John Elkann. “I have nothing against anybody,” he said. “Even those who made my life more difficult when I was the CEO of Stellantis. At one point in time there is a crossroad and somebody decides that it’s time to part ways. That’s fine.”

Looking back, Tavares acknowledges that he could have done things differently while heading up the company. For example, he was unable to convince dealers in the US to back some of his decisions.

“The dealers in the US did not want to support what we were trying to do, which is my responsibility,” he said. “Many things could have been done differently, but that doesn’t matter. The company is profitable.”

New Era, Familiar Challenges

As it turns out, Tavares probably left at quite a good time. He managed to narrowly avoid having to deal with the headaches from US President Trump’s tariff regime, something that Filosa now has on his plate. “Hopefully, he will be properly supported by the board,” Tavares said after Filosa’s appointment. “So let’s see.”

Beyond internal politics, the global industry faces larger challenges. Tavares has repeatedly warned about the growing presence of Chinese automakers. Last September, he even suggested that Stellantis should try to “be Chinese ourselves.” He remains skeptical that European brands can offer EVs at prices that rival Chinese competition. Instead, he believes they should focus more on premium segments where they still hold an advantage.

Life After Stellantis

As for what Tavares is up to these days, after pocketing $40 million in salary and severance from Stellantis, he’s enjoying life back in his home country of Portugal. He told Bloomberg he still feeds his motorsport habit by hitting the racetrack about once a month, but he’s also putting that hefty payout to use. He’s investing in his farm and a handful of hotels. On top of that, he’s eyeing a stake in a small airline and exploring other business ventures in artificial intelligence, and even fashion

“Before I would be doing twelve things per day,” he said. “Now I do five. But I do them in a deeper way. And I enjoy it more than before.”