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Stellantis CEO Quits Amid Company Turmoil
Andrew Evans
December 02, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition sees the shock resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, while there’s more fall-out from a chaotic F1 grand prix in Qatar. As you sip your coffee and rev up for the day, don’t forget to share SpeedBites with friends who share your passion for all things automotive. Enjoy the ride!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Carlos Tavares has resigned as CEO of Stellantis, effective immediately, a departure that comes over a year earlier than anticipated, with a successor expected to be appointed by mid-2025. The decision follows emerging differences between the board and Tavares, who had been instrumental in the formation of Stellantis through the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler.
Jaguar is set to unveil its Design Vision Concept, which will showcase the design direction for its upcoming electric vehicles, including a four-door electric GT expected to launch in 2026. The concept features a reimagined Leaper logo that may incorporate a rear-facing camera and omits a traditional rear window, emphasizing the brand's commitment to innovative design and technology.
Volkswagen workers in Germany are set to begin warning strikes on December 2 as negotiations between the IG Metall union and the company have stalled over proposed cost-cutting measures, including wage reductions and plant closures. Union negotiator Thorsten Groeger cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to significant wage disputes, while VW argues that the union's proposals would not provide sustainable financial relief amid declining demand and rising competition.
AC Schnitzer has transformed the BMW M2 into a striking police car, dubbed the Police BMW M2, to support the 'Tune it! Safe!' initiative promoting responsible vehicle tuning in Germany. This modified vehicle features enhanced aerodynamics, increased power output of 552bhp, and a host of interior upgrades, while also being tested around the Nürburgring to ensure performance and compliance with regulations.
Tesla has begun releasing a simplified version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) v13 to select external customers, following delays in its initial rollout plans. While the update includes features aimed at improving functionality, such as the ability to unpark and park autonomously, the company's timeline for achieving unsupervised self-driving by Q2 2025 remains uncertain amid ongoing skepticism about its feasibility.
Hyundai is recalling 226,118 vehicles, primarily 2021 and 2022 Elantra and Santa Fe models, due to defective rearview cameras that may fail, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and non-compliance with federal safety standards. The automaker has been investigating the issue since September 2023 and plans to notify owners of a fix by January 19, 2025, while offering free replacements for the affected cameras.
BMW plans to transition its intralogistics fleet at the Regensburg plant from battery power to hydrogen fuel cell technology by 2030, despite challenges related to the availability and cost of green hydrogen. The company will install a network of underground pipes and filling stations to support this initiative, which aims to consume approximately 150 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
The Porsche 911 lineup features 18 different models and trims, with a complex assembly process that includes both automated and hand-crafted elements. Special editions, such as the 911 Dakar and S/T, undergo additional manual assembly steps for lightweight components and custom interiors, with unique paint applications taking up to 30 hours to complete.
Hyundai and Kia have introduced the "X-ble Shoulder," a wearable robot designed to enhance worker efficiency and reduce injuries by decreasing shoulder load by 60% and muscle activity by 30%. Set for domestic consultations in Korea with deliveries expected in 2025, the technology will later expand to international markets, including the US and Europe, and is part of a broader initiative that includes additional wearable devices aimed at various industries.
MOTORSPORT
McLaren has requested an inquiry into the 10-second stop-and-go penalty imposed on Lando Norris for ignoring yellow flags during the Qatar Grand Prix, which significantly impacted his position and the team's standings in the constructors' championship. Team principal Andrea Stella criticized the penalty as lacking specificity and proportion, highlighting ongoing turmoil within the FIA and the recent dismissal of key officials, while other team leaders echoed concerns about the decision-making process in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen expressed his frustration with George Russell after receiving a one-place grid penalty for impeding him during qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, stating he has "lost all respect" for the Mercedes driver. Despite the incident, Verstappen won the race while Russell finished fourth, and further comments from Russell are anticipated during the media day before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri secured victory in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint, with teammate Lando Norris finishing in second place, as the two McLaren drivers executed a position swap at the chequered flag. George Russell completed the podium in third, while Nico Hulkenberg earned two points for Haas, contributing to their lead over Alpine and Red Bull in the constructors' championship standings.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem advised Formula 1 drivers to focus on racing rather than the internal affairs of the governing body, dismissing their concerns about the allocation of monetary fines. This response follows ongoing frustrations from drivers, particularly George Russell, regarding a lack of transparency after recent leadership changes within the FIA and reports of potential conflicts of interest related to Ben Sulayem's financial plans.
Max Verstappen and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem held discussions at the Lusail circuit ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, following Verstappen's recent controversy over inappropriate language during a press conference. The talks were pre-arranged and not directly related to Verstappen's grid penalty for impeding another driver during qualifying, amid ongoing changes in FIA personnel.
Esteban Ocon will leave the Alpine F1 team early, making way for Jack Doohan to make his grand prix debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This change allows Ocon to participate in an end-of-season test with Haas, while Doohan will gain valuable experience ahead of his first full season with Alpine next year.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed uncertainty about Sergio Pérez's future with the team after he failed to score points for the sixth time this season, noting that Pérez's performance has led to ongoing speculation despite his contract extension. The Mexican driver endured another difficult grand prix, and was unusually passed in the pit-lane exit after failing to get underway properly in the sprint race in Qatar.
Mercedes has provided a detailed overview of its hybrid powertrain system, which includes a combustion engine, two electric motors, a battery, and power electronics, amidst a freeze on powertrain development until 2026. The video highlights the complexity of the MGU-H, which integrates with the turbocharger and will be phased out, while emphasizing the cooling system developed with Petronas, featuring a dielectric coolant that prevents short circuits in the event of leaks.
Pierre Gasly is on track to complete the 2024 F1 season without causing any damage to his car, a unique achievement that has kept his Alpine team competitive in the constructors' championship. As he prepares to start 11th on the Lusail grid, Gasly faces tough competition from Kevin Magnussen and his teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who recently secured points to help Haas maintain a narrow lead over Alpine in the standings.
CURIOSITIES
Starting December 1, 2024, drivers in South Australia must obtain a U-Class licence to operate ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPVs), defined as those with a power-to-weight ratio of at least 276kW per tonne. The new regulations also prohibit the disabling of driver assistance systems like traction control and electronic stability control, with penalties including fines of up to $5000 for violations.
The BoostedBoiz channel has converted a 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat into an electric vehicle by swapping in a Tesla Model S Plaid drivetrain, capitalizing on the similar wheelbase of the two cars. The project involved extensive modifications to the Challenger's body and suspension, resulting in a powerful all-wheel-drive setup that delivers 1,020 horsepower while retaining some of the original car's interior features.
Bernie Ecclestone is selling his extensive collection of 69 historic race cars, which includes notable vehicles driven by legends such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Nelson Piquet. The collection, valued in the hundreds of millions, features significant models like the 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 and Stirling Moss' Vanwall VW10, with the sale being managed by Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd.
A Mercedes C43 AMG owner reported being rear-ended three times by a Jeep Cherokee, with the driver of the Jeep initially claiming the accident was the Mercedes driver's fault. Dashcam footage ultimately exonerated the Mercedes driver, leading to the Jeep driver being cited for multiple infractions, highlighting the importance of having a dashcam for evidence in such incidents.
The Tesla Cybertruck has arrived in the UK, brought over by Yianni Charalambous, who has been documenting its challenging integration into British roads on his YouTube channel. Despite modifications to meet EU regulations, the truck faces significant issues, including charging difficulties, software incompatibility, and limited support from Tesla dealerships in the UK, raising questions about its viability for future owners in Europe.
A 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible recently discovered in Texas is in poor condition, lacking most original parts and showing significant signs of disrepair after spending 26 years in a shed. Despite its state, the car retains its original Poppy Red color and may be a viable candidate for restoration, given the availability of aftermarket parts for classic Mustangs.
Lego has announced a new Technic kit featuring a 1:8-scale replica of the Ferrari SF-24 Formula 1 car, which includes functional elements like steering and a moving adjustable spoiler, and is set to ship no earlier than March 1, 2025. Priced at $229.99, this complex build consists of 1,361 pieces and joins existing Technic F1 kits from Mercedes and McLaren, which feature similar engineering details but vary slightly in size and piece count.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley is hosting its 31st Annual Collector Car Drawing, featuring a restored 1969 Camaro SS as a key prize, with ticket sales closing on June 27, 2025, and the winner announced on July 11, 2025. This event not only offers car enthusiasts a chance to win an iconic vehicle but also supports families with children receiving medical treatment by reducing their lodging and meal costs.
A custom-built dragster-style snowmobile, designed as a promotional vehicle for Bob Weaver Motorsports & Marine, recently failed to meet its reserve price on Bring a Trailer, leaving it still available for purchase. The vehicle features a modified Chevy V8 engine and unique design elements, but its primary purpose is marketing rather than competitive racing, as evidenced by its limited performance on grass.
Jimbo from the Robot Cantina YouTube channel is converting a three-wheeled Cushman golf cart into a hybrid vehicle by replacing its dead lead-acid batteries with a gasoline engine connected to an alternator, which generates electricity to power the original electric motor. This unconventional setup allows for quicker refueling and a lighter design, although it sacrifices some efficiency due to energy conversion losses, and the project has proven successful in initial tests with the cart achieving speeds of 21 mph.
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