Tavares says Strantis wants to be ‘on the right side’

Tavares said those calling for a delay in the ICE ban must not view climate change as a major issue

The boss of Stellantis admitted that the car-making giant fully supports Europe’s ban on internal combustion engine cars, although launching new electric vehicles and convincing consumers to buy them may be challenging.

During a media roundtable at the Paris Auto Show, Carlos Tavares noted that in addition to preparing for the European ICE ban in 2035, Stellantis is also ready for stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations in the United States. He is keen to see the group do its part to combat climate change.

Read: CEO Tavares says Stellantis will evaluate future of its 14 brands by 2026

“We want to be on the right side of history,” Tavares said. “We’re not asking for any kind of delay. We’re just asking for the stability of the rules to function properly and serve the society we live in. I think if you’re asking for a delay, it means that none of this is a major issue. So the fire , floods, hurricanes, none of that is a problem.”

“One day my youngest daughter was driving in a forest in Portugal and the forest caught fire,” he added. “She had to drive through a forest that was on fire. The door panel on the right side melted. So, how would you feel if one of your daughters was in this position and you said, ‘I’m going to demand that the CO2 regulations be repealed?’ Sometimes we need to Let’s face it. If there is a problem, we have to contribute to solving it. Yes, it’s very difficult. But I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Stellantis spends about $15 billion a year on electric vehicles and will have 40 electric vehicles in Europe by the end of this year. However, it faces significant resistance, especially in the United States.

America’s Difficulties

The company’s U.S. sales fell sharply in the first nine months of the year, and Stellantis is working to reduce large inventories of many of its popular brands. It is also dealing with the challenge of introducing new electric vehicles into the local market, with Tavares noting that many consumers are unwilling to pay high prices for electric vehicles and want improved charging infrastructure.

“You insert 40 percent additional cost into a system that’s very limited and obviously it creates a lot of tension and obviously it creates anxiety,” Tavares told The Detroit News. “We’re all facing the same reality. My people have anxiety too, but we’re dealing with it. We’re dealing with it and everyone needs to get their fair share of it and deal with it.”