The announcement of Carlos Tavares’ resignation as CEO of Stellantis, set for 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the world’s fourth-largest automotive group. In a constantly evolving industrial landscape, Stellantis faces challenges not only of a technological and productive nature but also financial and legal, balancing public and private interests delicately. The current situation among shareholders reflects a certain tension. The value of Stellantis’ shares has experienced a significant decline, influenced by various market factors. The mere speculation of potential new tariffs—25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on Chinese imports by the United States—has created a climate of uncertainty, negatively affecting European automakers, including Stellantis, which recorded a 6.8% drop in its stock value. The current market volatility reflects how vulnerable the automotive sector is to geopolitical dynamics and international political decisions that can significantly alter economic balances. From a public interest perspective, Stellantis has benefited over recent decades from substantial funding both from the Italian state and the European Union. Between 1990 and 2019, of the €10 billion invested, €4 billion came from public sources. Additionally, significant contributions for employment support were made: from 2014 to 2020, FCA (now Stellantis) received a total of €446 million for redundancy payments, of which €263 million were company contributions. From 2021 to April 2024, the cost of redundancy payments rose further to €984 million, with €280 million borne by the company. Combining various incentives, including redundancy payments, hiring subsidies, and expansion contracts, the total disbursed in the last nine years exceeded €887 million. This context raises crucial questions regarding the company’s ability to deliver tangible socio-economic returns, balancing public financial support with industrial competitiveness goals and social responsibility toward the national fabric. The legal challenge thus becomes twofold: on the one hand, ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent European environmental regulations; on the other, honoring commitments made to public institutions to justify the allocation of received funds. The massive entry of Asian competitors into the European market further complicates the scenario. These players often operate under entirely different rules and costs, benefiting in some cases from state subsidies and less stringent environmental regulations in their home countries. This regulatory asymmetry raises pertinent questions about the need for a more coherent and protective European trade policy for local businesses. Failure to meet objectives could lead not only to economic sanctions but also significant reputational repercussions. The balance between public and private interests is more delicate than ever. Stellantis must respond to shareholders’ demands, who are increasingly concerned about market volatility and financial returns. However, it cannot ignore the expectations of institutions and civil society, which are increasingly oriented toward sustainability and transparency, especially

in a context where public opinion is paying close attention to the use of public funds and the fulfillment of environmental commitments. This environment highlights the need for governance capable of adopting innovative and forward-thinking strategies, managing public funding transparently to avoid disputes and ensure a stable industrial future. Only an effective combination of private interest protection and responsibility toward the socio-economic system can ensure the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly globalized and regulated context.

Tavares’ resignation, therefore, represents not only an internal leadership challenge but also a test for Stellantis’ ability to navigate the complex legal, financial, and social dynamics that characterize the contemporary automotive sector. The ideal profile of the next leader will need to combine solid managerial skills with a profound understanding of European regulations and global geopolitical dynamics. Balancing the need for stable profitability with the fulfillment of commitments to public stakeholders will be crucial, promoting sustainable innovation and strategies that can make Stellantis competitive in an increasingly globalized and regulated market. The ability to effectively engage with institutions, shareholders, and industrial partners will be an essential quality in ensuring a smooth transition toward a sustainable industrial future.