Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat makes 500 engine plant in Michigan official]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-fiat-makes-500c-engine-plant-in-michigan-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-fiat-makes-500c-engine-plant-in-michigan-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-fiat-makes-500c-engine-plant-in-michigan-official/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Fiat currently owns 20 percent of Chrysler and can raise its stake to 35 percent once it satisfies three criteria: builds a plant in the U.S. to assemble fuel efficient engines; builds a 40 mpg car in the U.S. and expands Chrysler's international reach. For each milestone achieved, Fiat gets another five percent of Chrysler. The first hurdle looks like it will be cleared next year, with Fiat committing to building the 500's 1.4-liter, 92-horsepower engine in Dundee, Michigan at what was once the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant.

According to Automotive News, Fiat is putting $179 million into the location. Yet while the powerplants will be built in Michigan, they'll be shipped immediately to Mexico to be placed in the waiting engine bays of the cutest car in the world. That's because 500 production will happen at Fiat's Toluca, Mexico factory. Half of those finished cars will come to America, half will go to Brazil, with sales predicted to begin at the end of next year.

As for what to make of the alliance so far, and recent news like Chrysler's speak-no-evil plans for Detroit Auto Show, Fiat CEO Marchionne said that it is going to take two years "to show some real results. We'll try and do it faster," he said, "but by the end of 2011 and in early 2012, you should be able to tell how our plan is working."

[Sources: Automotive News - sub. req.; Drive.com.au | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Fiat makes 500 engine plant in Michigan official originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerDundeeDundee MIDundeeMienginefiatFiat 500 AbarthFiat500AbarthGEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceGlobalEngineManufacturingAllianceMarchionnemichiganSergio Marchionne Fiat ChryslerSergioMarchionneFiatChryslerMon, 21 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sergio Marchionne appears to be very well regarded within the auto industry and his work making Fiat a viable automaker has been pretty remarkable overall. Now Marchionne is charged with saving the beleaguered and product-starved Chrysler while also keeping momentum back home in Italy. That's a big job that Marchionne won't be able to do for long. The dualing CEO reportedly said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington that he will decide which company to run within the next 24 months. It appears Marchionne is no Carlos Ghosn, for better or for worse.

Marchionne also gave some pretty stark assessments of the Pentastar, as he reportedly told the audience that Chrysler walked away from bankruptcy a cleaner company but "but we ended up with the same stuff we had." Ouch. Marchionne also reportedly used his time at the Peterson Institute to discuss what he calls the industry's overcapacity problem. He said that while Chrysler has the post-bankruptcy ability to pick and choose when to grow, in Europe, overcapacity results in billions in lost revenue. Germany, for example, hasn't shuttered a plant since before World War II.

So Marchionne is going to give up one of his CEO posts within the next two years. On one hand, it's nice to see that the Fiat/Chrysler CEO is a realist who doesn't want to stretch himself too thin, and at the same time we like the fact that he plans to stay at Chrysler at least until it begins to receive some new products via its partnership with Fiat. Do we think he'll choose Chrysler over Fiat? The Fiat that resides in sunny Italy with brands like Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo? We wouldn't, but hey, we're not millionaire CEOs, either.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoChairmanchrysler ceoChryslerCeoChryslerLlcfiat ceoFiatCeomarchionnePeterson Institute for International EconomicsPetersonInstituteForInternationalEconomicssergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruh-Roh: Marchionne reportedly puts Alfa Romeo under review]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/ruh-roh-marchionne-reportedly-puts-alfa-romeo-under-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/ruh-roh-marchionne-reportedly-puts-alfa-romeo-under-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/ruh-roh-marchionne-reportedly-puts-alfa-romeo-under-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Take a look at the Fiat auto group. What division (barring Ferrari and Maserati) would you think holds the highest value for the company? If you thought Alfa Romeo, you're on the same page as yours truly, but you'd be mistaken. Horribly mistaken, as it turns out: Alfa has lost Fiat hundreds of millions of euros every year. Its sales have declined sharply, and not just since the global economy collapsed: Alfa sold 203,000 units in the year 2000, but only 103,000 last year. That's a heck of a drop-off.

In response, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has ordered a full re-evaluation of the marque, with two courses of action to potentially result. The first would see Alfa more closely integrating its future products with Chrysler platforms. The second would be to stop investing in the brand altogether, leaving the still-new MiTo and the brand-new Giulietta to carry its aging stablemates (including the 159, Brera, Spider and GT) for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe from Fiat's headquarters in Turin, Marchionne reportedly said the new plan for Alfa will be revealed this coming February or March. Even if he chooses to keep Alfa alive with Auburn Hills synergy, though, Marchionne has nixed the notion of merging the brand with Dodge, noting that there's a limit to how many times a brand can be reborn.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd | Image: Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty]

Ruh-Roh: Marchionne reportedly puts Alfa Romeo under review originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa romeoAlfaRomeofiat auto groupFiatAutoGroupmarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 02 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne steps down from UBS bank board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/fiat-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-steps-down-from-ubs-bank-boa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/fiat-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-steps-down-from-ubs-bank-boa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/fiat-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-steps-down-from-ubs-bank-boa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sergio Marchionne with fellow board members at a UBS press conference

Sergio Marchionne is one of the busiest people in the business. Or any business, for that matter. After comprehensively restructuring his empire - what amounts to nearly the entire Italian automobile industry and then some - he lost his right-hand man to Volkswagen. But that didn't stop him from taking over at Chrysler's headquarters and tendering bids on other automakers as well, all the while battling the bureaucracy to get it all done. But everyone's got their limits, even Marchionne, so it should come as no great surprise that the Fiat and Chrysler chief executive has announced his resignation from the board of directors of Swiss bank UBS.

The Italian industrialist, however, wasn't just filling an empty seat on the UBS board. He was elected two years ago and named vice chairman last year. In fact, he was reportedly considered as a potential chief executive for the financial firm earlier this year. But while he may be up to taking the reins of one industry in shambles, he's not looking to take on two. Neither, incidentally, is Shell CEO Peter Voser, who is also stepping down from the UBS board.

[Source: Automotive News - Subs Req'd | Image: Sebastian Derungs/AFP/Getty]

Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne steps down from UBS bank board originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard of directorsBoardOfDirectorsmarchionnepeter voserPeterVosersergio marchionneSergioMarchionneubsWed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - click above for high-res image gallery

The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next year are redesigns of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the Chrysler 300. As you may recall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that he was surprised to see how little has been done in the way of product development over the past two years, which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the new boss.

Marchionnne and his management team are now putting the final touches on a new plan to reverse Chrysler's fortunes, and the key to the company's renaissance will be new product. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Marchionne's plan includes quick turnarounds on the refreshing of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass. According to company sources, the PT Cruiser is also scheduled to be redesigned in a compressed time frame, with the expectation of a mid-2011 arrival.

To execute the aggressive plan, Marchionne is reportedly calling for design and engineering workers to work overtime, and some workers who took packages or were separated involuntarily will be hired back on a contract basis. Beyond the refreshes already mentioned, Fiat has already committed to build the hot little 500 in Mexico by mid-2011, and the Pentastar will also complete the launch of its Phoenix V6 engine program.

Marchionne is scheduled to deliver his latest proposal to overhaul Chrysler to the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force by next Wednesday. It looks like there is finally going to be some serious action in Auburn Hills, MI, and we're hoping that Fiat and Chrysler can buy two years' time to bring the greatly-needed product to fruition.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge caliberDodgeCaliberfiatgrand caravanGrandCaravanjeepjeep patriotJeepPatriotmarchionnept cruiserPtCruisertown CountryTownCountryFri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Dodges to be rebranded as Alfa Romeos in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/report-dodges-to-be-rebranded-as-alfa-romeos-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/report-dodges-to-be-rebranded-as-alfa-romeos-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/report-dodges-to-be-rebranded-as-alfa-romeos-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With the ink still wet on the Fiat/Chrysler deal, many auto sites (including Autoblog) have had a bit of fun prognosticating which Fiat/Alfa models would be rebadged as Chrysler products. U.K. site Autocar is reporting that Fiat is exploring bringing in Dodge models to Europe to be rebadged at Alfa Romeos. CEO Sergio Marchionne is said to be considering the move, saying that the two brands share the same core identity.

Autocar quotes Marchionne as saying that Dodge is the muscle car of the U.S. while Alfa is the muscle car of Europe, the latter being an interesting bit of positioning that we Statesiders don't normally associate with the brand. If the right Dodge-branded products were to make their way to Europe, the theory is that the Auburn Hills marque could actually bolster the products already offered by Alfa. The problem is, though, that there are few (if any) Dodge models that could reasonably be expected to perform well in Europe. The only models that are likely to be of interest are the Charger, Viper and Challenger, and the there is a chance that the Viper could soon find itself outside of the Chrysler portfolio altogether. The Charger and Challenger are likely too big for Europe as well, and would probably only sell in small numbers.

Marchionne also tells Autocar that the Chrysler group is still losing money, but the rate has slowed due to production and labor cuts.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Dodges to be rebranded as Alfa Romeos in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa romeoAlfaRomeododgemarchionnerebadgingsergio marchionneSergioMarchionneThu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Conan shows off first Fiat/Chrysler commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-conan-shows-off-first-fiat-chrysler-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-conan-shows-off-first-fiat-chrysler-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-conan-shows-off-first-fiat-chrysler-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chrysler and General Motors have been on the receiving end of more than a few skits by late show comedians recently, and new Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien took his latest shot at the Pentastar's tie-up with Fiat. O'Brien's latest gag is a mock Fiat-created Chrysler commercial for the Jeep Liberty.

The spot itself features a voice-over of a man with a thick Italian accent talking about how great the Liberty is on- or off-road, or even just driving in a circle. Hit the jump to view the video for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Jacob!

[Source: The Tonight Show]

Continue reading VIDEO: Conan shows off first Fiat/Chrysler commercial

VIDEO: Conan shows off first Fiat/Chrysler commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerconanfiatmarchionnetonight showTonightShowFri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Suzuki to join Marchionne's Fiat/Chrysler/Opel super-group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-suzuki-to-join-marchionnes-fiat-chrysler-opel-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-suzuki-to-join-marchionnes-fiat-chrysler-opel-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-suzuki-to-join-marchionnes-fiat-chrysler-opel-super/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Suzuki SX4 is also sold as the Fiat Sedici - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Fiat preparing to join forces with Chrysler, Opel, Saab and General Motors Latin America, the Italian auto group is expanding its home base to the United States, Germany, Sweden and South America. So what's it missing? Japan. The latest rumors out of Automotive News Europe could go a long way towards addressing that omission, as the trade organ is reporting that Fiat CEO and merger mastermind Sergio Marchionne may be preparing to bring Suzuki into the fold as well.

The main contributing factor to this turn of the rumormill, though, is the presence of Suzuki's factory in Hungary, where the Japanese automaker builds the Sedici (twin to the Suzuki SX4 Crossover) for Fiat and the Agila for Opel. However, Marchionne insist these are pure speculation, dismissing the reports as "nonsense." Marchionne arguably already has more on his plate than he can chew at the moment, but the scuttlebutt probably isn't entirely without merit.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Rumormill: Suzuki to join Marchionne's Fiat/Chrysler/Opel super-group originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiat chrysler opel suzukifiat chrysler suzukifiat opelfiat suzukiFiatChryslerOpelSuzukiFiatChryslerSuzukiFiatOpelFiatSuzukimarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionnesuzukisuzuki fiatSuzukiFiatMon, 11 May 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After weeks of speculation, Fiat confirmed today that its CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will assume the same role with Chrysler once it exits bankruptcy. According to statements from the Obama administration, Chrysler could emerge from "surgical bankruptcy" in as little as 30 to 60 days, after which Chrysler's current chief executive Bob Nardelli will step down and Marchionne will step in.

A dual Canadian and Italian citizen, the Ontario-educated Marchionne is credited with turning the Fiat Group around from a money-losing enterprise into one of the largest and most successful automakers in the industry. After taking over the helm at Fiat five years ago, Marchionne said he would need to double its sales to 5.5 million units annually in order to make the company financially viable. His vision for separating Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo out of their parent company and into a new auto group together with Chrysler (and potentially with GM's European and Latin American assets) would make it the second-largest automaker in the world, with 6 million cars produced annually. The bulk of the debts, however, would remain with the shells of their former organizations, leaving the new one unencumbered and free to regroup. There's no further news at this point as to when Chrysler will emerge from its Chapter 11 proceedings, allowing Marchionne to step in, or how the reported Treasury Dept. regulations will affect Marchionne's salary, but we can expect to hear plenty more on this highly-rated executive and his vision for reshaping the auto industry in the very near future.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Giuseppe Cacace/Getty]

BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsceochief executivechief executive officerChiefExecutiveChiefExecutiveOfficerchrysler ceochrysler fiatChryslerCeoChryslerFiatfiat ceofiat chryslerFiatCeoFiatChryslermarchionnemarchionne chryslerMarchionneChryslernardellinewssergion marchionneSergionMarchionneThu, 07 May 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



According to The Detroit News, Guenter Verheugen, the European Union's Industry Commissioner, lashed out at Fiat on Friday in a radio interview, voicing concerns that the Italian automaker is acting irresponsibly to be considering new mergers and acquisitions when the company is already in debt. The public tongue-lashing from the EU official sent Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to the microphones to defend his position, asserting that the commissioner's "comments are not helpful to the ultimate goal of re-establishing a sound footing on which to build the future of this industry".

Although Fiat lost half a billion dollars in the first quarter of this year and holds a debt of some $8.6 billion, sources suggest that the pending deal with Chrysler would have Fiat providing technology and expertise but no cash in exchange for a 20% stake in the troubled American automaker. Meanwhile, although Fiat Group chairman Luca di Montezemolo denied the company was pursuing any interest in GM's European subsidiary Opel, Marchionne is now asserting that would consider the possibility, but that no offer had been made to date.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty]

Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commissionereueu commissionerEuCommissionereuropean unionEuropeanUnionfiatfiat chryslerfiat opelFiatChryslerFiatOpelmarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionneMon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne says Chrysler deal odds are 50-50; warns unions to cut costs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/report-fiats-marchionne-says-chrysler-deal-odds-are-50-50-war/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/report-fiats-marchionne-says-chrysler-deal-odds-are-50-50-war/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/report-fiats-marchionne-says-chrysler-deal-odds-are-50-50-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With the clock ticking down on Chrysler's restructuring deadline from the Obama administration, Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne is getting blunt: Cut costs, or else.

According to Reuters, unless the United Auto Workers and Canadian Auto Workers agree to cut labor costs within the two weeks leading up to the April 30 deadline, Fiat will pull out from its planned stake in Chrysler, all but assuring bankruptcy for the Auburn Hills automaker. In fact, in an interview with Canada's Globe and Mail, Marchionne estimated that the chances for a deal are only 50-50, saying "Absolutely we are prepared to walk. There is no doubt in my mind." Thus far, union representatives have been resistant to lowering labor rates to be more in line with that of Asian and European automakers.

In addition to labor cost issues, Chrysler has massive debt to contend with - some $7 billion is owed to lenders. If the company is to have any hope of making a dent in those obligations without seeking bankruptcy protection, it will need the to secure the second $6B tranche in government loans (it has already taken in $4B) that the White House says will only be offered if they come to terms on restructuring.

On the subject of the possibility of simply 'cherry-picking' from the bin of for-sale brands in the States as a way to re-gain entry into North America, Marchionne has reportedly been dismissive - particular of General Motors' Saturn division, about which he remarked: "It's not a brand I have any affinity for."

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News (subs req.) | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne says Chrysler deal odds are 50-50; warns unions to cut costs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsCAWChryslerFiatlabor costsLaborCostsMarchionneobama administrationObamaAdministrationSergio MarchionneSergioMarchionnetrancheUAWunionWed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne could replace Nardelli as Chrysler CEO in management shake-up royale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/report-fiats-marchionne-could-replace-nardelli-as-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/report-fiats-marchionne-could-replace-nardelli-as-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/report-fiats-marchionne-could-replace-nardelli-as-chrysler-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you were surprised by the "resignation" of GM chief Rick Wagoner late last month, get used to the idea. Chrysler reportedly has some major management changes in store as well, including a new seven-member executive board including representatives from Fiat and the Obama administration's automotive task force. But while Bob Nardelli may stay on to chair that board, Chrysler's next CEO may not even be American. Sources close to the ongoing negotiations between Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group suggest that part of the new arrangement could see Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionnne taking the top job at the Detroit automaker with which he's jumping into bed.

Sound crazy? Not as crazy as you might think. The architect of Fiat's impressive turn-around from a struggling conglomerate into one of Europe's biggest automakers, Marchionne is a Canadian citizen and was educated just a hop, skip and a jump away from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario. Further, he holds court twice a month at the suburban Chicago offices of Fiat's agricultural subsidiary, Case New Holland. Obama has publicly praised Marchionne's management, which could see him take a hands-on approach to running the two allied companies similar to how Carlos Ghosn, another highly rated European automotive executive, runs Nissan and Renault.

Chrysler and Fiat have until the end of the month to iron out a plan, but it may be more complicated than straight-up bilateral negotiations, as several third parties also figure into the mix. First is Cerberus Capital Management, which owns a majority stake in Chrysler at the moment. Next up is Daimler, which is still locked in negotiations with Cerberus to offload its remaining stake in Chrysler. After throwing in representatives from the United Auto Workers, some of America's biggest financial institutions (many not faring much better than Chrysler themselves) hold several billions in the company's debt. Sure, Marchionne may get the job, but he's going to have one heck of a time getting all this sorted out.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne could replace Nardelli as Chrysler CEO in management shake-up royale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceochief executivechief executive officerChiefExecutiveChiefExecutiveOfficerchryslerchrysler ceochrysler fiatchrysler managementChryslerCeoChryslerFiatChryslerManagementfiat chryslerFiatChryslermarchionneNardellinegotiationssergiosergio marchionneSergioMarchionneMon, 13 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Lancia to cancel top-of-the-line Thesis this year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view the Lancia Thesis in high resolution

You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about the Lancia Thesis. Or perhaps mistaking it for something like a SsangYong. The range-topping luxosedan from Fiat's quirky cousin was never sold in North America, and even in the European market has remained something of an anomaly. We had a chance to ride in one on the way to the airport after driving the Alfa MiTo in Italy and were generally impressed, but with its homely, oddball styling and less-reputed badge, it never really stood a chance against class-leaders like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. Now, after less than seven years on the market, Fiat is reportedly set to pull the plug.

As it is, the Thesis is only made on demand, which has been relatively ( and understandably) low. Until the introduction of the Maserati Quattroporte in 2004, the Thesis was the largest and most luxurious sedan in the Fiat Group portfolio, but with dismal sales amidst difficult economic times, the Italian auto giant can no longer justify its continued production. Despite having no replacement in the pipeline, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly announced the model's discontinuation for this past year, but production is now tipped to drag out until the Spring. The Lancia Thesis may have its small cadre of fans, but by and large it's not likely to be especially missed as it rolls towards the sunset. To commemorate its passing, we've assembled the gallery below.

Gallery: Lancia Thesis


[Source: Autoblog.it]

Lancia to cancel top-of-the-line Thesis this year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Fiat group seems to be on a ceaseless campaign to bring its products to the U.S. market. A range of products from Alfa Romeo are in the pipeline for importation, the upcoming high-performance Abarth version of the new Fiat 500 has been tipped to make the trans-Atlantic voyage, and now Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced plans to bring the group's heavy truck subsidiary Iveco to the American market. But while the 500 and Alfas may take a while to make the trip, Marchionne has a much tighter time-frame in mind for Iveco, declaring that they company "will have something done within six to nine months." That's mighty soon.

Iveco, short for Industrial Vehicle Corporation, builds close to half a million diesel engines and some 200,000 commercial vehicles every year, including heavy trucks, military vehicles, fire engines, buses, vans and even a formula racing truck that makes NASCAR Craftsman Series trucks look like toys.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Fiat bringing Iveco trucks stateside early 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americacommercialfiatgroupivecomarchionnemarketsergiostatestrucksunitedvehiclesWed, 25 Jul 2007 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[See? A car company can turn around. Just ask Fiat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/see-a-car-company-can-turn-around-just-ask-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/see-a-car-company-can-turn-around-just-ask-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/see-a-car-company-can-turn-around-just-ask-fiat/#commentsFiled under:

When it comes to turnarounds, Fiat serves as a case study. The Italian institution that rules over Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati, trucks, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and automobile components, lost $1 billion in 2000. Contrast that with 2006, when it posted a 35% jump in revenues year-on-year, and its operating profit was $384 million -- a far cry from the $332 million loss of 2005. Fiat's current market cap is more than that of GM and Ford combined in Europe, at $32.5 billion.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of the Fiat Group, is the man who led the charge, beginning in 2000 when he was hired from a Swiss firm. CNN has a lengthy profile on the Italian that delves into how he did it. The story will be familiar to all of us: "The car company had the talent, knowledge and skills, but it lacked leadership." It was "a problem of culture - big offices, big waste, and nobody responsible for anything." Too many vehicle discounts. Too many platforms. Too many people doing the same thing across brands. Cars not selling enough. Models not updated. To fix it, Marchionne, an outsider to the auto industry, sheared away excess layers of management, streamlined the design process, rationalized platforms, boosted production, didn't pick fights with the unions, forged partnerships in China, India, Russia, and Turkey, and got out of the partnership with GM (for which Fiat made $2 billion).

Continues after the jump.

Thanks to everyone who sent in a tip!

[Source: CNN]

Continue reading See? A car company can turn around. Just ask Fiat

See? A car company can turn around. Just ask Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatmarchionnesergioturnaroundWed, 09 May 2007 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sergio Marchionne steps down as Fiat CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/sergio-marchionne-steps-down-as-fiat-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/sergio-marchionne-steps-down-as-fiat-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/sergio-marchionne-steps-down-as-fiat-ceo/#commentsFiled under:

It's shake-up season at the automotive giants. Both Volkswagen and PSA Peugeot-Citroen announced new CEOs just the other day. Ford recently got a new chief, too. Even Ferrari has changed up their management. Next in line is their sister company Fiat: Sergio Marchionne is stepping down as CEO in 2007.

The role Marchionne is vacating is not as head of the entire Fiat group, which controls the bulk of the Italian automotive industry (including Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Iveco trucks), but the Fiat car division specifically. In that role, Marchionne has engineered the revitalization of the brand with the successful Grande Punto and the launch of several new models, including the Sedici, Bravo and Linea. Not bad, especially considering he only took over in February 2005.

Fiat hasn't announced who'll take over for Sergio, but the departing CEO says they'll most definitely be promoting from within rather than recruiting from outside the company. Given Marchionne's success, we wouldn't be surprised to see him take on a new role within the company.

[Source: Detroit News Auto Insider]

Sergio Marchionne steps down as Fiat CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceofiatmarchionnesergioThu, 09 Nov 2006 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



After an absence of more than a decade, Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand is returning to the U.S. market. In a conference call May 3rd, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that he has plans in place to begin distributing Alfa Romeo models in the U.S. through  Maserati's dealer network, possibly as soon as late 2007.

Italiaspeed reports that the U.S. launch models will likely be the upper end of the range - Alfa 159, Brera (shown above) and Spider. And yes, this means that the 8c Competizione is also coming to the U.S.

[Source: Italiaspeed, Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8c8c competizionealfa 159alfa romeoalfa spiderAlfaRomeobreramarchionnemaseratisergio marchionneThu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST