Hertz Replaces CEO After Failed Tesla Bet

Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HTZ) is making a leadership change at the top after unwinding a costly and poorly executed bet on electric vehicles. The rental car giant announced late Friday that CEO Stephen Scherr is stepping down after just over two years in the role.

Scherr, a former Goldman Sachs executive, joined Hertz in early 2022 several months after the company emerged from bankruptcy. Under new owners Knighthead Capital and Certares Management, Hertz embarked on an ambitious strategy to rapidly electrify its fleet. The company announced a high-profile order for 100,000 Teslas, sending the automaker’s market cap soaring over $1 trillion at the time.

However, the electric vehicle gambit quickly turned sour for Hertz. As Tesla slashed prices last year, it hammered the resale values of the used EVs Hertz had been acquiring in bulk. By December, Hertz was selling off around 20,000 electric vehicles, about a third of its EV fleet, citing poor demand, high depreciation, and costly repairs.

Flashback: Hertz Hurt by Tesla’s Price Cut Spree

Hertz took a $245 million charge in the fourth quarter related to the strategic U-turn on EVs, contributing to the company’s largest quarterly loss since the pandemic. The Estero, Florida-based company is now looking to a new leader with direct experience in the challenges of vehicle electrification.

Replacing Scherr is Gil West, the former COO of GM’s Cruise self-driving unit who was dismissed late last year. Before Cruise, West held the COO role at Delta Air Lines.

West will be tasked with righting the ship at Hertz and positioning it for sustained profitability against rivals like Enterprise and Avis. Frequent leadership turnover has plagued Hertz’s strategy and competitiveness for years.


Information for this story was found via Bloomberg, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

ESGold Outlines $24.3 Million NPV For Tailings Reprocessing Project

First Majestic Encounters 711 g/t Silver Equivalent Over 8.0 Metres In Ongoing Exploration At Los Gatos

Related News

California Fines Tesla $38K For Employee Stuck In Model Y On A Conveyor Belt

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is under scrutiny by the California Division of Occupational Safety and...

Friday, December 8, 2023, 09:55:29 AM

Apple’s Rumored Entry into EV Industry Has Implications for Miners of EV Battery Metals

This week, market reports of Apple’s potentially producing a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) again began...

Sunday, December 27, 2020, 09:00:00 AM

Tesla Critic Sees Elon Musk Settle Lawsuit For $10,000: “The World Is Now Recognizing He Is A Charlatan”

According to counsel for the plaintiff, Elon Musk agreed to pay $10,000 to settle a...

Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 03:55:00 PM

Tesla Slammed With Multiple Recalls In Europe, The US

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been hit with a string of recalls in recent days. The...

Saturday, April 16, 2022, 03:20:00 PM

Tesla Tumbles In Pre-Market Trading Following Weak Q1 Production, Delivery Figures

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has fallen far short of analyst estimates for its first quarter production...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 09:18:25 AM