Tavares has said every aspect of the group is under the microscope, including its brands, some of which analysts have suggested could be eliminated to save money.
“For the time being, we love them all and you cannot kill what you love,” the 63-year old said last year. “When you love them, you give them a chance,” he said, adding each brand would be given 10 years to prove itself profitable.
As the group enters its second year, another long term challenge is reviving its fortunes in China, the world’s biggest auto market, where Fiat Chrysler and PSA had almost negligible market shares.
“We are now negotiating and changing very many things at core,” Tavares has said about his China plans, without giving details.
Jefferies analysts said the company could look to leverage its strong Jeep and Maserati brands there. It could also consider using China as an export base to the rest of Asia, or deepen its ties with Foxconn beyond their current joint venture, they said.
“Luckily for Tavares, he has got time,” Oliver Wyman’s Santino said. “Investors’ focus is on Europe’s turnaround at the moment. And on that he is delivering.”
