DETROIT — The Automotive News World Congress was held on Wednesday at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Carlos Tavares, CEO of the PSA Groupe, was the evening speaker.
The PSA Groupe is the second largest car manufacturer in Europe. It is made up of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall. The PSA Groupe completed their purchase of Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors on August 1, 2017.
Tavares announced that Peugeot will be re-entering the U.S. market within the next eight years. “The cars, which will be U.S. compliant, are now being engineered,” he said. “Turning around Opel is the number one priority.”
He discussed the seven mega trends that are changing the shape of auto industry:
- Market divergence
- Sharing
- CO2/NOx
- Connectivity
- Autonomous
- Digitalization
- Customer behavior
“There is a right for all people to have access to transportation. This sharing business will be multiplied by 10 times by 2030. CO2 emissions are leading to a global problem–the warming problem. By 2025 the PSA Groupe will be 100 percent electrified and have 40 electrified models. We’ll need to address the big picture. We know that the car is evolving to be the next connected device. We expect 1.2 billion connected cars,” says Tavares.
He says within six years, we are going to launch 124 new models across six regions. We will make sure we push non-European and make a comeback to North America. This includes Opel. Rigor of execution will be the key. DNA is about having a plan and a vision and putting the focus on getting things done.
“We have decided to create a service mobility brand called Free2Move. Having a platform that gives us access to many mobility services where you can find the one that is most appropriate. It’s all about giving you the possibility to use your mobility partner to find the appropriate mobility service. Including here in the United States. We are going to develop this brand. About 600,000 customers are using this app.”
KC Crain asked “Is there a piece that is missing in your global plan?”
Tavares answered: “Yes, the U.S. There are some setbacks in China. In Africa, we are growing fast; more than 11 percent market share. The missing part is North America.”
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