TAVARES TOPS THE POLL by John Crawford

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA, has been named Top Car Person of the Year by the World Car of The Year judges, and I think it's a well-deserved accolade.

I can't think of any other current automotive industry leader who deserves this title more.

Tavares is clear-sighted, no bullshit, ruthless, but relaxed, and has not only an enviable reputation, but he has built a stable empire out of disparate parts, which is no mean feat.

I know from my own 'moles' that Carlos Ghosn and Carlos Tavares were considered a formidable team at Renault.

Whilst I originally had doubts about the decision to acquire GM's European operations, the fact that he got it at a big discount reveals his negotiating skills, as well as his prescience.

JOHN CRAWFORD