Stellantis is looking for a new CEO

Stellantis is reportedly looking for a successor to its CEO, Carlos Tavares, whose contract expires in early 2026. According to Bloomberg News, the decision was confirmed by the automaker, stating that it is a normal succession planning process.

Increasing Pressure on Carlos Tavares

John Elkann, also CEO of Exor, the main shareholder of Stellantis, is becoming increasingly concerned about the company’s performance in North America. Sales are stagnating, and several executives have left the group, leading to a market share decline, particularly in the United States where Jeep and Chrysler are particularly affected.

Goal: Turnaround in the United States

Turning around the American operations is a priority for Stellantis, which is struggling to sell its large inventories and correct quality issues. Stellantis plans to invest over $406 million in three Michigan sites to revitalize the business. However, the pressure on Tavares is heightened by potential strikes in the United States and Italy in the coming weeks.

The Profitability Dilemma

Under Tavares’ leadership, Stellantis has followed a strict cost-cutting policy, including job cuts and the closure of American plants. This strategy aims to protect profits in the face of weak demand for electric vehicles and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers. However, some are concerned that this approach may jeopardize long-term projects and future profitability.

Crucial Board Meeting

On October 9 and 10, Stellantis’ board of directors will meet in the United States to evaluate the restructuring plans implemented by Tavares. Although he was praised for making Stellantis more agile after the merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA, the recent 48% drop in net profit in the first half of 2023 has tarnished his record.

Conclusion

With growing challenges, particularly in North America, the search for a successor to Carlos Tavares could redefine the future of Stellantis and its 14 brands.

Source: Automotive News

The text “Stellantis is looking for a new boss” is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.

Ram unveils its HD 2025 model

Ram is preparing an update for its range of ultra-tough heavy-duty trucks (HD = Heavy Duty) with a front-end style redesign and the addition of modernized technologies.

A sneak peek
The prototypes of the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup are now in the final testing phase, which means they will soon be visible on public roads without any camouflage. This has prompted Ram to release official images, avoiding leaked and poorly framed photos taken at high speeds on the highway. And it must be said that the argument holds water.

Inspired style
The initial images reveal that the 2500 and 3500 models will adopt a new front design, characterized by a redesigned grille and separate lighting units. The hood will also feature a new air intake, while the mirrors and lights will receive some updates. Although the changes are limited, it appears that the third brake light will be updated to incorporate new cameras or sensors.

Technologies borrowed from the Ram 1500
Although Ram has not yet shared specifics about its Heavy Duty lineup, CEO Chris Feuell has already confirmed that the new models will integrate the latest technologies from the Ram 1500. This suggests that the model could be equipped with an enhanced multimedia system on a 12-inch screen, with a new 14.5-inch screen available as an option.

The trucks may also offer two wireless charging spaces for cellphones, as well as a 10.25-inch screen reserved for the front passenger. Additionally, it would not be surprising to see a Tungsten variant, as well as the addition of hands-free driving assistance.

Enhanced diesel engine
The current model comes with a 6.7-liter Cummins inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine, offering 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful version offers 420 horsepower and 1075 lb-ft of torque. As reported by Carscoops, which covers this news, rumors suggest that the diesel engine lineup could be streamlined to include only one engine, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Original content from auto123.

The text Ram unveils its 2025 HD model comes from The Automotive Yearbook – Automotive News.

Stellantis wants to reduce its American inventory by 100,000 units.

Things are not going very well for Stellantis in North America. Sales of Jeep models, for example, are experiencing significant declines. With the discontinuation of models at Dodge, and the shift to electric vehicles, which remains a significant challenge for a brand known for its V8 engines, there is a lot of uncertainty at this manufacturer.

On the Ram truck division side, the removal of the V8 engine from the 1500 pickup still leaves many puzzled, even though the 6-cylinder inline engine that is replacing it, the famous Hurricane engine, is more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and very promising.

In short, the group is working hard to bring profitability back to the forefront. Stellantis announced that it is looking to reduce its North American inventories by 100,000 units by the beginning of next year.

The company had already reduced its inventories by about 40,000 units in July and August, and it is clear that more needs to be done.

The manufacturer wants to focus its efforts on one thing in particular: “how we position North America for 2025 in a better and healthier place,” said Natalie Knight, the company’s CFO, during a virtual conference held today (Monday).

Stellantis stated earlier this year that the group’s total inventories were around 1.4 million units at the end of the first half of 2024, at the same time when its adjusted operating profit dropped by 40% due to poor commercial performance in North America, where it usually makes the most profit.

A decision had to be made.

It will be interesting to see how the company navigates through these troubled waters.

Original content from auto123.

The text “Stellantis wants to reduce its American stocks by 100,000 units” is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.

Ineos Grenadier: production halted until 2025

The British manufacturer Ineos is facing an unfortunate situation that is forcing it to halt production of its Grenadier SUV at its Hambach plant in France due to a financial issue experienced by one of its suppliers.

The production of Grenadier Quartermaster trucks is also at a standstill and could remain so until 2025.

The problem stems from a supplier that manufactures an essential part, forcing the company to stop production. Ineos does not mention the supplier’s name or the nature of the part in question. However, it is clear that this part is significant and unique enough that there is no short-term alternative solution, meaning another supplier that could offer the same component.

One possibility is that the problematic supplier is Recaro. An Ineos representative has stated to Automotive News Europe that the troublesome client was “in a difficult financial situation.” Recaro Automotive filed for insolvency at the end of July, citing “significant financial difficulties due to extreme price increases during the past crisis years and the loss of a major contract.”

Recaro had planned to continue producing seats and fulfilling existing orders during the insolvency period, but it is uncertain if there have been changes since then.

It could also be another supplier; only time will tell.

Motor1, which reported the news, received a statement from Ineos regarding production:

“Our Hambach production site has faced a shortage of critical components beyond our control, resulting in a pause in our production program. The automotive industry’s supply chains are always complex and challenging, but this issue arises at a time when we are very busy. We are making every effort to restart our production and meet demand as quickly as possible. At present, we are following a cautious scenario that would allow us to return to full production by early 2025.”

In December last year, Ineos announced an agreement with two Canadian retailers in Ontario and British Columbia for the sale of its models in Canada, adding to the existing 19 retailers in the United States.

One can only hope for a swift resolution to this issue that is beyond the company’s control.

The name Corvette will not become a GM brand.

Several years ago, rumors surfaced suggesting that GM was considering turning the Corvette name into a sub-brand within the General Motors (GM) empire. These rumors indicated the possible release of several different models bearing the Corvette name, including a sedan and an SUV, in addition to the traditional variants of the well-known sports car.

Whatever may have happened behind the scenes since then, the project seems to be dead and buried. In fact, during an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage dedicated to the new 2025 Corvette ZR1, Mark Reuss, the president of GM, ruled out the idea of the Corvette name becoming a separate brand.

The executive confirms that the Corvette will remain within the Chevrolet family, as it embodies the essence of the brand, representing the best of both worlds in terms of quality-price ratio, especially in the case of a high-performance model.

As for the 2025 Corvette, deliveries are expected to start soon, but the ZR1 variant is not expected until next year. Prices have not been announced yet, but considering the level of performance, it is expected to be the most expensive in the range, with prices ranging between $170,000 and $225,000 on this side of the border.

Incredibly, this ZR1 variant could be overshadowed by another performance version. Test models have been spotted and could potentially be the Zora version (named after one of the Corvette’s pioneers, Zora Arkus-Duntov), which would combine the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the ZR1 with the electric motor from the E-Ray hybrid variant.

The ZR1 version already offers 1,064 horsepower. It’s hard to imagine how far the madness could go.

Original content from auto123.

The text “Le nom Corvette ne deviendra pas une marque de GM” is from The Automobile Yearbook – Automotive News.

Toward a ban on Chinese technologies in vehicles in the United States

With regards to vehicles offered in the American market, as of the 2027 model year, a ban on Chinese software could come into effect, with a hardware ban possibly following in 2030. This measure, proposed by the Biden administration, stems from concerns about national security in relation to Chinese technologies. The fear that Chinese companies could collect personal data on American motorists is at the core of these potential restrictions.

A setback for connected and autonomous vehicles

It’s not just Chinese-made electric vehicles that worry US authorities. The US Department of Commerce is considering banning the use of Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles offered in the American market.

The details of this plan are still unclear, but sources indicate that this regulation could halt the import and sale of vehicles equipped with communication and automated driving systems from China.

Toyota bZ4X
Toyota bZ4X | Auto123.com

An investigation launched in February

This ban project was initiated several months ago following an order from President Joe Biden in February to launch an investigation into Chinese automotive technologies. “Chinese policies could flood our market with vehicles, representing a risk to our national security,” the US President had declared back then.

Upcoming legislation

The ban project could be made public this week. The bans would not stop at Chinese technologies but would also extend to other US adversaries, such as Russia. In May, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed strong concerns about the use of Chinese software or hardware in American vehicles. “Imagine the worst-case scenario if, for example, millions of cars on the road had their software disabled,” she emphasized.

Timeline of bans and industry reactions

The software ban could be put in place for the 2027 model year, while the hardware ban could come into effect in January 2029 or for the 2030 model year. Manufacturers such as GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai have warned that they will need time to adjust their vehicles to comply with these new rules. The public will have 30 days to comment on this proposal before it is finalized.

This crackdown on Chinese technologies in vehicles follows the Biden administration’s decision to quadruple import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, increasing them from 27.5% to 102.5%.

Chevrolet Equinox EV
Chevrolet Equinox EV | Auto123.com

Original content from auto123.

The text Towards a Ban on Chinese Technologies in US Vehicles comes from The Automobile Yearbook – Automotive News

The best winter tires for large SUVs and trucks in 2024-2025

Auto123.com presents its winter tire buying guide for 2024-2025. On Friday, we provided an overview of the current situation in the industry. Yesterday, we discussed winter tires for cars and small SUVs. Today, we are focusing on products for larger SUVs and trucks.

In this article, we will be discussing tires for larger SUVs, trucks, vans, and light commercial vehicles.

Many of the tires mentioned are carry-over products from last year. The recent trend has been towards more aggressive tires designed primarily for off-road use to meet the demand of drivers attracted to robust versions of trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Tremor, as well as the Ranger, Bronco Raptor, Chevrolet Silverado, Colorado (ZR2 and Bison versions), GMC Sierra, Canyon AT4, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Expedition Timberline, Chevrolet Z71 models, among others.

Even vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are now offered with all-wheel drive and very aggressive tires for off-road excursions.

**The LT tires**

For owners of robust trucks like the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 2500 HD, or Ram 2500 HD, ensure that your choice is identified as LT (Light Truck) to support the additional weight you may load.

The same advice applies to users of F-350 or 3500 HD, but here we are mostly addressing entrepreneurs who should be more informed about these restrictions.

**Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, Outpost, and LT3**

Just like with cars, our truck tire guide starts with products from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian. The **Hakkapeliitta R5** model is suitable for more “normal” urban or highway driving due to its smooth ride and grip despite the absence of studs (optional).

However, more truck drivers are opting for the **Outpost nAT** version, which is a more aggressive tire, smooth and silent on dry roads, and very effective in snow and mud with remarkable off-road capabilities. Additionally, the Outpost is an “approved” tire, usable in both summer and winter. I have been using this tire on my Jeep Wrangler TJ for a few years now, and it fully satisfies me.

Finally, also from Nokian, the **Hakkapeliitta LT3** is truly more robust, specifically designed for work trucks. Offered in many sizes, this tire, available in regular or studded versions, can also be fitted on robust SUVs such as the Bronco Raptor, Jeep Rubicon and Gladiator, among others.

**Michelin X-Ice Snow and BF Goodrich T/A KO3**

Michelin’s catalog offers a variety of winter tires for trucks and SUVs. Most of the French company’s products are both quiet and efficient, including the latest **X-Ice Snow** and North models (with studs). They are available in an SUV version for larger utility vehicles.

If you are looking for a tire that performs well in both winter and summer, Michelin now offers its approved **Cross-Climate 2** tire in the Agilis range for trucks and large SUVs.

The BFGoodrich brand is owned by the Michelin Group, so it’s not surprising that they offer a more aggressive tire known for its off-road capabilities, where it has already proven itself.

Since last year, BFGoodrich has been offering an improved version of this tire, now named **T/A KO3**, which is winter-summer approved. It comes in 33 sizes for 16 to 20-inch rims.

It’s worth noting that the **Commercial T/A Traction** version is specific to heavier commercial trucks.

*To be continued in the next message*

Which vehicles take the longest to find a buyer?

When it comes to negotiating the price of a vehicle, one advantage that a buyer can exploit is related to the number of days the desired vehicle has been sitting in a dealership’s lot.

This is easily verifiable with a used model that has been on the market for a few weeks. With new vehicles, it requires a bit more effort.

Fortunately, there are organizations that compile data on the models that take the longest to leave the dealership, indicating where our purchasing power might be stronger.

The key question to ask, however, is why a model is not being sold. Sometimes it’s a pricing issue, and that’s where it can be interesting because lowering the price could make the offer more attractive. However, it could also be due to the model being irrelevant, unreliable, etc. In these cases, even if the price is reduced, it may not represent a better purchase.

Let’s take a look at the vehicles that take the longest to leave dealerships, according to data compiled by CarEdge, which analyzes dealership inventory data and calculates market supply in terms of the number of days it takes to sell a model.

The top contender is the Dodge Hornet, an SUV that has been a disaster since its launch, mainly due to its price and performance. On average, it takes 428 days to find a buyer, which is significant. According to CarEdge, Dodge currently has 14,596 units in stock at US dealerships, but only 1,536 were sold in the last 45 days.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer follows with an average of 428 days, which is also not promising. The next vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz EQB, the electric version of the GLB, with a 427-day delay.

In fourth place is the Maserati Levante SUV, with 410 days, followed by the Lincoln Aviator at 392 days. The sixth vehicle that takes the longest to attract a buyer is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, the extended variant of the other model of the same name. This model takes 354 days on average to sell.

Among other models that struggle to find buyers are the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, the 4-door Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Please note that this type of ranking can change significantly from one month to another, as a promotion on a vehicle can alter the situation. However, trends can still be observed with these models.

On the flip side, models like the Toyota Highlander (23 days), the Toyota RAV4 (30 days), and the Honda Civic (34 days) remain consistently popular.

However, caution should be exercised as products that are in low demand may appear on the list of vehicles that spend little time in dealerships, especially if they are produced in small quantities.

Ford is recalling 144,000 Mavericks due to a camera issue

Ford is recalling approximately 144,000 units of its compact truck Maverick, as the backup camera image may freeze when the vehicle is maneuvering in reverse.

Despite the increased safety risks associated with this issue, a recent vehicle must have a functional rear camera to comply with regulations.

The recall affects models from 2022 to 2024, and according to the Safety Recall Report, trucks likely to have this defect are all equipped with Ford’s Connected Touch Radio system, rather than the Sync3 system found in the higher-end versions of the model.

The Connected Touch Radio system essentially offers the same features (some less sophisticated, like voice recognition) as the Sync3 system. Therefore, in Ford’s documents regarding the model, reference is sometimes made to an eight-inch screen multimedia system, rather than the Sync3 system.

When the company became aware of the potential problem in June 2024, they conducted durability tests on the system, revealing a memory leak in the software that could cause the backup camera image to freeze, resulting in a failure to process the image.

The manufacturer also discovered four other vulnerabilities that could prevent the image from displaying or delay its appearance.

Vehicles equipped with the defective software were produced between February 3, 2021, and November 28, 2023. The problem could not be reproduced on newer versions of the software currently used by the company. Ford states they are aware of four warranty claims and 22 complaints. Two accidents have been reported, but no injuries have been linked to this issue.

The manufacturer will correct the problem through a software update that owners will need to have installed at the dealership. Information will be sent to the owners starting from September 30.

Original content from auto123.

The best winter tires for cars and small SUVs in 2024-2025

Auto123.com presents its winter tire buying guide for 2024-2025. Yesterday, we presented an overview of the current situation in the field. Today, we will discuss tires for cars and small SUVs. Tomorrow, we will cover tires for larger SUVs and trucks.

**Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and R5 (and Nordman North 9)**

Launched last year, the latest addition to the Hakkapeliitta family, the **Hakkapeliitta 10**, is an evolution of the version 9 that was tested on a Volkswagen family car in Abitibi, Quebec. The **Hakkapeliitta 10**, available studded from the factory, proved reliable and performed exceptionally well on icy roads. The feedback from users has been positive. Additionally, the **R5** tires installed on a Porsche Cayenne provided great control in icy conditions and were very quiet on long drives. Nokian offers one of the best winter tires on the market, with prices reflecting its high quality.

**Michelin X-Ice Snow and North, and Alpin**

The French brand Michelin’s **X-Ice Snow** tire has been praised for being effective in snow and ice, addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor. The latest version of the X-Ice Snow is quiet, efficient, and durable. Michelin’s X-Ice Snow and **North** variants are manufactured in Canada at Michelin’s Nova Scotia plants. For performance or touring vehicles, Michelin’s **Alpin** range offers good performance in snow and ice, albeit at a higher cost.

**Bridgestone Blizzak**

Despite being on the market for several years, the **Blizzak WS90** from Bridgestone remains a top choice for winter tires. While effective in snow and ice, some competitors have caught up in terms of grip quality. Bridgestone is expected to announce updates, including the **Blizzak Spike 3**, but as of writing, it is not available in Canada.

**Continental Ultimate Contact Winter**

The new **Ultimate Contact Winter tire from Continental** features PolarPlus technology, providing optimal grip on ice and snow. It is designed for electric vehicles, offering low rolling resistance and reduced noise. Continental aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and uses vegetable oil to improve rubber elasticity, enhancing grip in all conditions.

**Motomaster Winter Edge II**

The **Motomaster Winter Edge II** from Canadian Tire, developed by Hankook, proved effective in snow and ice, even with vehicle stability systems disabled. It offers good traction and performance in winter conditions.

**Goodyear WinterCommand Plus**

The **WinterCommand** line from Goodyear is designed for new-generation winter tires, rivaling popular models like the Bridgestone Blizzak. It is available with studs and offers reasonable prices across its range.

**Pirelli Sottozero**

Italian manufacturer Pirelli offers excellent winter tires, including the **Sottozero 2 and 3** for performance vehicles. These tires have impressed users, providing good performance in snow and ice, despite slightly faster wear than competitors.

Each tire brand mentioned offers a range of winter tire options, from high-end to more budget-friendly models. Customers can choose based on their needs and preferences.