Stellantis is looking for a new CEO.
I have previously spoken about the company's recent anguish. Stellantis reports that its net profit fell 70%, down from 18.6 billion euros ($19.5 billion) in 2023 to 5.5 billion euros ($5.77 billion) in 2024.
Imagine a new Barracuda as a Challenger alternative, using the “CUDA name” for the performance version.
Plus, the company is in the midst of a leadership transition after CEO Carlos Tavares suddenly set off late last year. Until a successor is nominated – expected in the first half of 2025 – Chair John Elkan is overseeing the operation along with the Interim Executive Committee.
Large enough to fail
The future looked much brighter in 2021, when Stellantis was formed after the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA. Today, the fourth largest automaker in the world, the company was ready to throw its weight.
However, size lacked focus. Stellantis' broad brand mixes, including names like Jeep, Peugeot, DS, Lancia, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, have proven difficult to manage efficiently.
The big investment in EVS was not helpful either.
Nonetheless, Stellantis is confident that the right CEO can turn things around. Anyone that has to make some tough decisions when it comes to some heritage brands. It's doubtful that everything goes through it.
Better Barracuda?
Meanwhile, we were able to see the iconic name returning. Small, twin turbocharged, all-wheel drive V8 Coupe Barracuda, someone?
It can happen if the rumors that performance guru Tim Kuniskis will return to work are true. There is a much worse strategy than placing Kuniskis behind the handle of the brand's Stellantis portfolio.
Cooking with gas
Imagine the new Barracuda as a Challenger alternative. The company uses “CUDA name for the performance version,” as it has had in the past, but it all features a smaller, lighter, and more refined V8 version than its predecessor.
They sell like pancakes.
The above syrup and whipped cream will be if the US Federal EV mandate really disappears. When that happens, the car inventory of companies that manufacture gasoline vehicles is seen undergoing a dramatic reassessment.
As always, we will continue to post you.
