Jean-Louis Grumet, a French national, has been director and general manager of Stellantis Automotive Finance Co. since 2021. Established in Huangpu district in 2007, this company has been operating in Shanghai for nearly 17 years, providing automotive financial services for both wholesale and retail businesses.

In 2022, Grumet’s company had a commercial dispute with a Shanghai-based automobile sales company. The latter failed to assist its customers to complete vehicle mortgage registration as agreed. Subsequently, the customers fell into arrears, and Grumet’s company requested the automobile sales company to bear its phased joint and several guarantee responsibility according to the contract. However, the automobile company refused.

Grumet and his team decided to file a lawsuit against the company.

The Shanghai Huangpu Primary People's Court, upon accepting the case, conducted a thorough investigation of the facts and legal implications. Noting that both parties had been long-term business partners with a foundation of trust, the presiding judge proposed a mediation plan based on commercial arrangements—one that would reduce the financial burden on the defendant while expanding business opportunities for the plaintiff.

After multiple rounds of mediation, both parties reached a settlement. The defendant agreed to fulfill a certain sales volume within a certain period to offset its debt in the case.

This innovative settlement not only resolved the immediate dispute but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration. The defendant honored its commitment, and the business relationship between the two parties was restored to its original stability.

Reflecting on the outcome, Grumet expressed his gratitude, highlighting the professionalism and efficiency of the Shanghai court. As a financial professional, he was particularly impressed by the judges’ commitment to maintaining a fair and just legal environment, which enables financial institutions to manage claims effectively. He also noted how the court incorporated wisdom of the East into the mediation process, which not only protected their legal rights but also reinforced their confidence in the Chinese market.

Grumet remains optimistic about Shanghai’s future, believing that the city’s evolving legal framework and economic growth will solidify its position as a key player in the global financial market. He considers it a privilege to work and live in Shanghai and looks forward to witnessing its continued success.