MAM
Davide Grasso, former CEO of NIKE’s Converse named COO of Maserati
MUMBAI: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU/MTA: FCA) today announced two moves in its leadership team. Davide Grasso, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIKE’s Converse, joins FCA and is named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Maserati. Grasso also is appointed to the Company’s Group Executive Council (GEC).
While at Converse, Grasso engineered that iconic brand for long-term sustainable growth. His previous experience includes a string of successes at NIKE, where he served in numerous leadership positions, including Chief Marketing Officer for the Nike brand.
In a related move, Harald Wester assumes the role of Executive Chairman of Maserati. In addition, his responsibilities as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) expand to include global powertrain along with global vehicle engineering for the Group.
In his expanded role, Wester will oversee all product development and engineering for the Group’s ongoing new product strategy, including the expansion of its internal combustion and hybrid/electric powertrain offerings. As Executive Chairman of Maserati, Wester maintains strategic involvement in that historic brand and will oversee all technical and industrial areas.
"With Davide’s arrival, we continue to round out FCA’s senior leadership team with world class talent,” said Mike Manley, CEO FCA. “He brings a wealth of brand expertise to one of the most historic marks in the automotive world. Davide and Harald will build on the work that’s already underway to rejuvenate Maserati worldwide; and Davide will be a valuable advisor to the GEC on brand matters across the FCA portfolio.
“The expansion of Harald’s CTO role will further accelerate our progress in powertrain development and drive the integration of market leading technologies into our brands. Combining vehicle and powertrain engineering under one of the industry’s most respected technology leaders will streamline the delivery of our product strategies,” said Manley.
Grasso said, "Joining Maserati at such a transformational time is an extraordinary opportunity that speaks to my passion for cars, great brands and my personal Italian heritage. Working with Mike Manley, Harald Wester and the rest of the FCA team will be a privilege. I’m honored to be joining FCA at such a defining and transformative moment for the company and the industry.”
“This is a fundamental step in the growth of Maserati both for its technological development and for brand expansion and for this I’m excited to work with Davide” said Harald Wester. “I’m honored to take the lead of global powertrain for the Group in this challenging period. The combined vehicle and powertrain teams will speed-up the development and integration of world class propulsion systems.”
Brands
Hyundai and TVS Motor partner to develop electric three wheelers
Joint development pact targets last mile mobility with localisation push
MUMBAI: Three wheels, one big ambition and a charge towards the future. Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company have signed a joint development agreement to co-create electric three-wheelers (E3Ws), aiming to crack India’s complex last-mile mobility puzzle. The collaboration moves beyond concept talk into execution mode, building on the E3W prototype first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The goal now is clear, design, develop and commercialise a purpose-built vehicle tailored to Indian roads, riders and realities.
Under the agreement, Hyundai will lead design and co-development, bringing its global R&D muscle and human-centric engineering approach to the table. TVS Motor, meanwhile, will anchor the product on its electric platform, leveraging deep three-wheeler expertise and local market insight. It will also handle manufacturing and sales in India, with an eye on exports down the line.
The timing is strategic. India remains the world’s largest three-wheeler market, where affordability, durability and adaptability often outweigh sheer innovation. The upcoming E3W aims to strike that balance combining advanced technology with practical features such as adaptive ground clearance for monsoon-hit roads, improved thermal management for tropical climates, and flexible interiors suited for passengers, cargo or emergency use.
A key pillar of the partnership is localisation. Major components will be sourced and manufactured within India, a move expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain, create jobs, lower costs and improve after-sales support.
The shift from prototype to production will involve rigorous testing, certification and refinement to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Dedicated cross-functional teams from both companies are already in place to accelerate timelines.
At a broader level, the tie-up reflects a growing trend in mobility, global players partnering with local specialists to navigate emerging markets. For Hyundai and TVS, the bet is that combining scale with street-level insight could unlock a new chapter in sustainable urban transport, one that runs not just on electricity, but on relevance.
