Core Viewpoint - Stellantis Group's Citroën brand has appointed Xavier Chardon as the new CEO, effective June 2, 2025, raising industry expectations for new opportunities under his leadership [2][8]. Background of Xavier Chardon - Xavier Chardon graduated from the prestigious Nancy Business School in France, focusing on marketing and corporate strategy, which laid a solid theoretical foundation for his management in the automotive industry [3]. - He joined PSA Group in 1994 as a marketing specialist, successfully increasing market share in Southern Europe [3]. - Chardon became the global marketing and communications director for Citroën in 2007, enhancing the brand's image and positioning [3]. - He held various roles at Volkswagen, including European market sales director and global marketing director, where he implemented strategies that significantly improved market share and brand perception [4]. Responsibilities and Strategic Focus - Chardon will report to Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO of Stellantis Group for Europe, and aims to continue the "comfort technology" differentiation strategy while accelerating the development of electric vehicles [5][6]. - He plans to launch three new electric models in the next three years, targeting 100% electric sales in Europe by 2030 [6]. - Chardon emphasizes a "global vision, local execution" strategy, focusing on French design aesthetics and environmental principles in Europe while customizing offerings for the Asia-Pacific market [6]. Brand Transformation and Market Positioning - Chardon aims to leverage Stellantis Group's STLA electric platform to enhance battery performance and reduce production costs by 20% [7]. - He proposes a dual strategy of high-end and youth-oriented branding in China, integrating AI-driven driving assistance systems while maintaining classic technologies [7]. - The introduction of a "Vehicle as a Service" (VaaS) model in Europe is planned, offering comprehensive subscription services for electric vehicles [7]. - Chardon will also push for Citroën's participation in Stellantis Group's battery recycling network, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals [7]. Industry Context and Expectations - Chardon's appointment comes at a critical time for the global automotive industry, facing challenges in electric and intelligent transformation [8]. - His extensive experience across two major automotive groups is seen as a potential catalyst for Citroën to navigate the industry's transformative period [8]. - The industry is keenly observing whether Chardon can lead Citroën to strengthen its market position and explore new opportunities [8].