Global Auto Wrap: Renault Profits Drop 15%, Toyota's Next CEO, EU Regs & Feb Sales Forecast

The world's carmakers are navigating a changed landscape. From boardrooms in Paris and Tokyo to policy chambers in Brussels and production floors from Detroit to Delhi, a clutch of developments in the last 24 hours offer a sharper read on where the global automotive industry is headed — and what that could mean for markets including India.

Renault Reports 15% Operating Profit Drop: Reuters

Renault posted an operating profit of €3.6 billion for 2025, a 15% fall on the prior year, as its margin contracted from a record 7.6% to 6.3%. Pricing pressures — driven by the arrival of more Chinese brands in Europe and an aggressive sales push by rival Stellantis to regain market share — accounted for more than €700 million of the profit drop. New CEO François Provost, who took charge over the summer, told analysts that Renault was "ready to fight" Chinese competition through lower costs and a rapid pace of new-model launches. The company also posted its first net loss in five years at €10.9 billion, largely due to a €9.3 billion writedown on its Nissan stake booked in July. Renault is guiding margins to approximately 5.5% in 2026, with a medium-term target range of 5% to 7%.

Toyota Names CFO Kenta Kon as next CEO from April 1: Reuters

A Reuters analysis published today examines the leadership reshuffle announced by Toyota this month, in which CEO Koji Sato will be replaced by CFO Kenta Kon from April 1. Sato, who delivered record sales and profit during his three-year tenure, moves to a newly created role as vice chairman and chief industry officer. Kon served as Chairman Akio Toyoda's secretary for eight years and is known as the architect of a planned buyout of forklift maker Toyota Industries. The reshuffle reflects Toyoda's view that Sato was no longer the best fit given mounting cost pressures, with tariffs adding to the burden. Toyota executives were also concerned about falling behind global rivals in software development.

Industry Body calls for REACH Regulation Amendments: ACEA

Europe's automotive lobby is pressing for reform of the EU's REACH regulation — the framework governing the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals in force since 2007. In a newly published position paper, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association argues that REACH's definitions simply do not cover vehicle assembly — a process involving thousands of components across dispersed global supply chains. In ACEA's own words, its members' primary role as "assembler of articles into highly complex objects is not covered by REACH definitions," creating compliance gaps and complicating the sustained availability of spare parts for repairs. The association is calling for targeted amendments, including mandating structured digital Safety Data Sheets, while expressing support for the revision's broader environmental and safety objectives.

February 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast: S&P Global

S&P Global Mobility's February 2026 light vehicle production forecast projects global demand remaining broadly flat this year, with overall output edging modestly lower. The monthly update nonetheless carries a mix of mostly positive regional revisions. Europe gains 39,000 units, led by Toyota and Renault. North America adds 61,000 units driven by pent-up demand for Stellantis' Ram HEMI V8, while Ford sheds 25,000 units due to truck platform difficulties. Greater China faces a 10% Q1 production contraction as domestic demand cools and destocking continues. ASEAN markets face headwinds from intensifying EV competition and affordability pressures. Semiconductor risk and the continued rise of Chinese competition remain the industry's two most-watched variables.

Sources: Reuters, ACEA, S&P Global Mobility_