Small and tough, informal but without exaggerating. Carlos Tavares, the new king of the car at the helm of Stellantis, a colossus that has 14 brands and employs more than 400 people, presented himself like this, without a tie and in a gray pullover, in the presence of journalists from all over the world (and something more) who flocked to New York to understand what let it be the latest myth of the car, the heir of Marchionne but also of Carlos Ghosn. Poor theater scenography, no stage, four sheets on the table just to immediately convey the message that is closest to his heart: Stellantis does not aim to become bigger, but to really be Great, primacy that is achieved with economies of scale and innovation. And, what matters most to the Italian and French public, without the sacrifice of facilities or employees.
It will be precisely the size of the group, explains Tavares, that will allow us to avoid cuts and bottlenecks. Our strength, he repeats more than once, will be to develop the synergies between the "sister companies", Italian, French or English. Yes, there must be no privileges or acquired rights, but the possibility of “mix” components, technologies and solutions at will, which will make it possible to increase the offer and reduce costs. “But without altering – he admonishes – the external image of our products. Diversity must be our distinguishing trait compared to the competition which is not always successful”.
In numbers, the bet translates into one value creation of 25 billion euros in four years thanks to a roadmap that foresees synergies within the group for 5 billion euros to be achieved within four years, for a good third thanks to the policy of purchasing components. All under a control room made up of nine strategy development centers where decisions will be made. Committees to be led by President John. “Mixed” committees which will report to the board chaired by John Elkann which will coordinate the activities of the nine committees dedicated to the development of corporate performance and strategy”.
The former CFO of FCA Richard Palmer, will keep the role of financial director also in Stellantis, while the head of the European activities of Peugeot, Maxime Picat, was chosen as responsible for the Old Continent of the new car giant. Surprisingly, a former PSA manager, Jean Philippe Imparato, for driving Alfa Romeo. But of the old Biscione there was very little to keep.
Everything seems to favor the take-off of the group, as demonstrated the free-range start on the financial markets. Today in Milan Stellantis closed up by 2,7% at 13,9 euros, while at its debut in New York the shares achieved a jump of 10%. All easy: even too much, if you think of the disappointments that the sector can reserve, especially in bad years, as demonstrated by so many past experiences.
But Tavares is convinced that synergies are truly possible in cars. And he proved it in Opel, where with patience and obstinacy he was able to bring the Germans to his side, until then more jealous of their autonomy than a racing horse.
