- Carlos Tavares
- Stellantis
- resignation
- differences
- board
- US
- Jeep
- Citroen
- India
- criticism
- performance
- drop
- sales drop
- lean
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Has Stepped Down
- By MT Bureau
- December 02, 2024
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has stepped down due to differences with the board, a news report in the CNN.com (Business) has mentioned. It has also mentioned that Tavares faced criticism for the lack lustre performance of the Group brands – formed with the coming together of FCA and PSA Groups – during the nine months of the current calendar year in the US.
The announcement of Tavares’ departure comes at a time when popular group brands such as Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge have seen sales drop as the ‘affordable’ models are discontinued under the wake of a ‘lean’ strategy and in what looks like an attempt to elevate the brands to offer premium luxury vehicles.
In India too, the Jeep vehicles are priced much higher than they may be worthy of. It is no surprise therefore that they are being undercut by Jeep-like vehicles from brands like Mahindra, which costs many million Rupees less.
Beginning its journey in Mumbai after Independence by assembling Willys CJ3 Jeep under license from Willys Corporation, Mahindra has grown to be a leading utility and SUV vehicles manufacture in India. It has also found a strong footing in export markets of US, Australia and South Africa with its 4x4 vehicles.
Also failing to extensively refresh or introduce next generation models such as the Compass in India, Jeep is not doing great in India either, the figures indicate. The other brand, Citroen seems to be better positioned and more agile in its ability to learn and adapt to the market requirements in the country. It too is yet to show its prowess to set the sales charts on fire in India.
Criticised to have taken the lean strategy a bit too far to come back and bite the group where it hurts the most, Tavares’ stepping down comes at a time when dealers across many parts of the world struggle to move the inventory on their lots.
Several workers laid off at several plants of the group – particularly in the US – have also criticised Tavares for the situation Stellantis got into in that market.
The situation in other markets is claimed to be not very different either.
The process to appoint the new permanent CEO is underway with a Special Committee of the Board expected to announce one in the first half of 2025 calendar year, as per the report. A new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established, the report further mentions.
Global sales volume for the first half of this year fell 10 percent in the case of Stellantis. In the third quarter, it plunged 20 percent.
With many loyal buyers of Dodge and Jeep vehicles keeping away as the prices have risen way beyond, sales in US have been down by 17 percent in the first nine months of the year.
- Honda India Foundation
- Honda Elevate
- Honda Shine 100
- Gulab Chand Kataria
- Gaurav Srivastava
- Rajeev Taneja
- Dr. Amritha Duhan
- Gaurav Agrawal
Honda India Foundation Supplies Emergency Response Vehicles To Udaipur Police
- By MT Bureau
- June 26, 2026
Honda India Foundation (HIF) has provided 26 emergency response vehicles to the Udaipur Police to assist with patrol and mobility across the district.
The handover includes 25 Honda Shine 100 motorcycles, modified with emergency signalling systems, public address equipment, flashlights, storage units and safety gear. Furthermore, it has provided a Honda Elevate C-SUV, also outfitted for police requirements.
The vehicles are intended for use in tourist zones, urban centres and areas where manoeuvrability is necessary for police operations. This follows a previous contribution of 25 vehicles provided in February 2026 to support the Udaipur Police Tourist Patrolling Team.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials including Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh; Gaurav Agrawal, District Collector; Gaurav Srivastava, Inspector General of Police, Udaipur Range; Dr. Amrita Duhan, Superintendent of Police, Udaipur and Rajeev Taneja, Operating Officer, Honda India Foundation.
Gulab Chand Kataria said, “Udaipur is an important centre of public and tourist activity, and this effort will further strengthen our Police Patrolling Team to support public safety across the district. I appreciate Honda India Foundation for this meaningful contribution. Their continued engagement in such collaborative efforts contributes to strengthening public service delivery at the local level.”
Fleet Management Marks Seafarer Day With New Digital Tool And Advocacy For Civilian Mariners
- By MT Bureau
- June 25, 2026
Fleet Management Limited has marked the International Day of the Seafarer by issuing a renewed call for the global community to acknowledge the often-overlooked civilian professionals who underpin international trade. The maritime services provider simultaneously introduced a new digital tool, named Pulse, aimed at delivering continuous and practical assistance to crew members while at sea.
In light of recent diplomatic efforts to stabilise regions such as the Strait of Hormuz, Fleet Management has voiced its support for multilateral actions designed to address the systemic vulnerabilities faced by merchant mariners. The company has highlighted a persistent pattern where civilian seafarers are disproportionately exposed to geopolitical tensions. The stance aligns with the International Maritime Organization's 2026 theme, which underscores the dual reality of seafarers carrying global trade while shouldering significant operational risks.
Since February, an estimated 20,000 civilian seafarers have navigated volatile maritime zones, with roughly 600 of those individuals under Fleet Management's direct supervision. The firm assesses any resumption of transit on a vessel-by-vessel basis, utilising specific risk matrices to ensure that every manoeuvre is deliberate and grounded in stringent safety standards. Support mechanisms under the Fleet Care programme include 24/7 mental health services and wellness initiatives, while the fleet maintains industry-leading insurance coverage for personnel both on duty and during leave.
The newly launched Pulse application is described as a digital lifeline designed to simplify administrative processes and consolidate essential documents for the company's 27,000 seafarers. Beyond reducing bureaucratic burdens, the platform offers uninterrupted access to critical health resources, ensuring that crew members remain connected to the Fleet Care network regardless of location. This technological advancement represents a significant evolution in the company's strategy to deliver consistent, everyday assistance to its global maritime community.
Complementing these operational enhancements, Fleet Management has initiated global advocacy campaigns this week to increase public awareness of seafarers' contributions. Targeted family outreach programmes have been conducted through crewing offices in India, the Philippines and China, alongside community activities and multi-city public campaigns.
These efforts are reinforced by substantial training investments, with the company issuing over 80,000 certificates annually and training 500 cadets each year at the International Maritime Institute to ensure a resilient and proficient workforce.
Dr Harry Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group and Fleet Management Limited, said, "Countries, industries and communities rely on seafarers to keep essential goods flowing. Waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are key arteries of the global economy. When disrupted, the impact is immediate. Costs rise. Supply chains tighten. Today is a reminder that the industry and governments must act decisively to uphold safe and free navigation, so seafarers can sail with confidence."
Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Management Limited, said, "As a company, and as an industry, we have a responsibility to speak up. Seafarers are civilians who carry responsibility in the face of risk and adversity, in conditions beyond their control. This must not become the new normal. They must be seen, heard and properly protected. We are encouraged by the IMO-led evacuation efforts underway to restore safe transit and hope confidence will soon rebuild."
Angad Banga, Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group and Executive Director of Fleet Management Limited, said, "Recognition has to translate into action. Not once a year, but every day. That means understanding the pressures our seafarers operate under and responding with consistent, practical support. At Fleet, this shows up in the decisions we make and the systems we build to support our crews."
- JSW Green Mobility
- JSW Group
- Lithium Urban Technologies
- Eversource Capital
- Parth Jindal
- JSW Cement
- JSW Paints
- JSW Dulux
- Don Thomas
JSW Green Mobility Makes Strategic Investment In Lithium Urban Technologies
- By MT Bureau
- June 25, 2026
Mumbai-headquartered JSW Green Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Group, has announced a strategic investment in Bengaluru-based Lithium Urban Technologies, an enterprise mobility platform backed by Eversource Capital. This partnership is intended to accelerate Lithium’s expansion across India’s growing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and service market.
At present, Lithium Urban Technologies manages an integrated platform that includes over 3,000 electric vehicles, managing more than 25,000 daily trips, and a network of 1,300 charging stations. Fleet intelligence systems and centralised network operations centres serve over 100 enterprise customers.
The company is targeting 3x growth over the next two years. This expansion is expected to generate between 12,000 and 15,000 jobs as the firm scales its charging infrastructure and fleet deployment.
Parth Jindal, Managing Director, JSW Cement & JSW Paints, Chairman, JSW Dulux, said, "India’s mobility landscape is undergoing a structural transformation, driven by rapid urbanisation, electrification and the growing scale of digital commerce. We believe the future will be shaped by integrated, technology-led mobility platforms that can deliver reliability, operational efficiency and scale."
Don Thomas, CEO, Lithium Urban Technologies, added, "The opportunity ahead is not simply to replace vehicles, but to build the infrastructure, operating systems and technology capabilities required to make electrification work at scale."
Porsche Outlines 3 Key Pillars Of ‘Strategy 2035’ At Annual General Meeting
- By MT Bureau
- June 24, 2026
German luxury carmaker Porsche confirmed its financial forecast for the 2026 fiscal year and provided preliminary insights into its new ‘Strategy 2035’ at its 4th Annual General Meeting held on 23 June 2026.
The strategy is designed to enhance profitability and strategic resilience through three primary pillars as outlined by Dr. Michael Leiters, CEO, Porsche, with full details to be presented at a Capital Markets Day on 7 October 2026.
- Brand & Customer: Porsche will refocus on its sports car DNA, design and exclusivity. The strategy shifts away from volume maximisation toward a focus on desirability and value.
- Products & Technology: The company plans to reduce model complexity by cutting the number of variants. Porsche will continue to invest in combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains, noting that the 911 will remain combustion-hybrid and will not move to a fully electric powertrain.
- Company & Operations: Porsche is structurally streamlining its organisation at all levels and investigating increased use of Volkswagen Group modular platforms. Discussions are ongoing regarding workforce adjustments to ensure long-term competitiveness.
Despite a challenging market environment, Porsche confirmed the financial targets for 2026 including 5.5 percent to 7.5 percent (factoring in EUR 800–900 million in one-off expenses and EUR 700 million in tariff costs) operating group return on sales. Group sales revenue to come at EUR 35-36 billion with automotive net cash-flow margin of 3 percent to 5 percent.
Furthermore, the Board of Directors of Porsche have proposed a dividend of EUR 1.00 per ordinary share and EUR 1.01 per preferred share for FY2025. While this payout exceeds the target ratio of 50 percent of consolidated profit after tax, it represents a decrease compared to the previous year, reflecting a move to maintain financial flexibility during the current transformation phase.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, reaffirmed his backing of CEO Dr. Michael Leiters, emphasising that while the necessary restructuring measures may be ‘uncomfortable,’ but they are essential for the company's future success.

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