Opel will continue its role as the electric vehicle pioneer for Stellantis despite the sudden departure of CEO Carlos Tavares, the German brand's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.
Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest carmaker, has been plunged into uncertainty this week with the resignation of Tavares due to disagreements over the company's turnaround strategy after a hefty profit warning.
"Opel has a very clear path towards electrification, and the organisation will not change the fundamental choices," said Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel, adding: "In 2025, which will be the next stage of electrification, it will be very important to be very agile, very close to the market, and very close to operations."
The group has put in place an interim leadership structure, with a streamlined executive committee chaired by John Elkann, until a successor to Tavares is chosen.
The leadership vacuum comes at a critical time for Stellantis, which faces challenges including overcapacity and bloated inventory in the US, sluggish global car demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals.
Opel offers a mix of conventional combustion cars and electrified models, but pledged to fully pivot to a pure electric lineup in its next product cycle.
Opel's new Grandland SUV, the first Stellantis electric model with a battery manufactured at ACC's French gigafactory, is due to go on sale in the first quarter of next year.
Opel confident on electric strategy amid Stellantis leadership turmoil
Image: Supplied
Opel will continue its role as the electric vehicle pioneer for Stellantis despite the sudden departure of CEO Carlos Tavares, the German brand's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.
Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest carmaker, has been plunged into uncertainty this week with the resignation of Tavares due to disagreements over the company's turnaround strategy after a hefty profit warning.
"Opel has a very clear path towards electrification, and the organisation will not change the fundamental choices," said Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel, adding: "In 2025, which will be the next stage of electrification, it will be very important to be very agile, very close to the market, and very close to operations."
The group has put in place an interim leadership structure, with a streamlined executive committee chaired by John Elkann, until a successor to Tavares is chosen.
The leadership vacuum comes at a critical time for Stellantis, which faces challenges including overcapacity and bloated inventory in the US, sluggish global car demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals.
Opel offers a mix of conventional combustion cars and electrified models, but pledged to fully pivot to a pure electric lineup in its next product cycle.
Opel's new Grandland SUV, the first Stellantis electric model with a battery manufactured at ACC's French gigafactory, is due to go on sale in the first quarter of next year.
Ford South Africa achieves export and sales milestones in November
Weelee offers car searches in any of South Africa's 11 official languages
China carmakers pivot to hybrids for Europe to counter EV tariffs
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos