Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Check out Marchionne's customized SRT Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/check-out-marchionnes-customized-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/check-out-marchionnes-customized-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/check-out-marchionnes-customized-srt-viper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sons of Italy Foundation Viper GTS - on track - front three-quarter view

The SRT Design Team recently worked up something special in honor of Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. The crew whipped the sheets off of a one-off SRT Viper GTS at a Sons of Italy Foundation gala. The car features special Avorio Perla white paint, one-off black vapor chrome wheels and custom interior touches. The colors of the Italian flag run down the length of the seats, and tri-color GTS badges adorn the exterior.

Marchionne donated his tribute Viper to the Sons of Italy Foundation to be auctioned off to support the charity. The foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America, which represents men and women of Italian descent. Marchionne is a Canadian citizen who was raised in Italy, but recently drew the ire of Italian American groups after a colorful comment regarding the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C. You can refresh your memory about that dustup here. You can also check out the special Viper in the video below.

Continue reading Check out Marchionne's customized SRT Viper

Check out Marchionne's customized SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt vipermarchionnesergio marchionnesons of italysons of italy foundationsrtsrt vipersrt viper gtsTue, 28 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/check-out-marchionnes-customized-srt-viper/20585277/article-detail.xml 20585277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sons-of-italy-foundation-viper-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sons-of-italy-foundation-viper-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne talks with microphone and his hand up

Automotive News reports Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has issued a written apology for his comments regarding his decision to stick with an Italian engine for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C. As you may recall, back in January, Marchionne was quoted as saying, "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it has to be a wop engine." The CEO penned an apology to the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition for using the racial epithet, saying that he made the comment in jest. Marchionne also said he realizes his remarks were unacceptable.

ONE VOICE, an organization aimed at fighting discrimination and stereotyping of Italian Americans, thanked Marchionne, Chrysler and Fiat for the apology. Marchionne is an Italian-born Canadian citizen, and he's gotten in trouble for other comments in the past. In 2011, he called high interest rates Chrysler was paying to the Canadian government "shyster rates." He apologized a day later.

Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeochryslerfiatmarchionneone voiceracial epithetsergio marchionnesergio marchionne apologyslurwopWed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/20579631/article-detail.xml 20579631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat's Marchionne ponders Chrysler going public again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sergio Marchionne gives speech at Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana plant

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne says there's a real possibility that its majority-owned Chrysler Group may eventually return to the ranks of publicly traded companies. According to Bloomberg, the Fiat and Chrysler CEO gives that a "50 percent chance" of happening, but he doesn't appear to favor that scenario: "My preference is to be one single company... we belong together."

Marchionne has seemingly been operating under the assumption that Fiat will eventually own all of Chrysler, working to buy up the shares it doesn't own and looking to buy out the retiree trust fund that it shares Chrysler ownership with. Certainly, Chrysler going independent again would be increasingly difficult, as the companies continue to blend products, technologies, facilities and staffing, a trend started immediately after the Italian automaker became custodian of the brand following Chrysler's bankruptcy in 2009.

Marchionne's remarks to the media came at Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana plant, where he was on hand to announce a major investment at four facilities in the state to build eight- and nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Fiat's Marchionne ponders Chrysler going public again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler bankruptcyfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneMon, 04 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20485378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/20485378/article-detail.xml 20485378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sergio-marchionne-at-chrysler-kokomo-plant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sergio-marchionne-at-chrysler-kokomo-plant.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler to start charity foundation to honor Marchionne]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/chrysler-to-start-charity-foundation-to-honor-marchionne/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/chrysler-to-start-charity-foundation-to-honor-marchionne/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/chrysler-to-start-charity-foundation-to-honor-marchionne/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sergio Marchione

Chrysler is moving to start a charity in honor of CEO Sergio Marchionne. The company's board of directors has voted to create a foundation to grant educational awards. Ronald Thompson, Chrysler's lead director, said the charity is a fitting tribute to Marchionne and all he has accomplished since coming to the American manufacturer.

"This foundation will ensure that the values and impact of his leadership will be felt by many others," Thompson said.

Marchionne, meanwhile, acknowledged that the charity will allow Chrysler to support causes that dovetail with the values of the company, including "the educational needs and ambitions of our employees' children." Chrysler will begin making its first contributions to the charity in 2013 and will award its first scholarships in 2014. You can take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler to start charity foundation to honor Marchionne

Chrysler to start charity foundation to honor Marchionne originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychryslerchrysler charitymarchionnesergio marchionneSat, 08 Dec 2012 11:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20395892/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/08/chrysler-to-start-charity-foundation-to-honor-marchionne/20395892/article-detail.xml 20395892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/sergio-smiling_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/sergio-smiling.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, has stated that the planned unification of both companies will have to wait a little longer as the Italian automaker grapples with the European financial crisis. Marchionne has previously stated that the goal was to achieve unification as early as 2014, but that has temporarily been put on the back burner while Fiat aims to strengthen its finances.

In a Reuters report, Marchionne said, "The objective has always been to try and bring unification by 2014 or 2015... I'd still like to see that done." Marchionne went on to say that Fiat would not have the capital to make that move as early as 2014, unless "something extraordinary happens and we find liquidity through other means." According to the report, Marchionne's top priority is fixing its European situation.

This is all in relation to Fiat's plan to purchase the remaining 41.5 percent stake in Chrysler currently held by the United Auto Workers healthcare trust. The trust was created as a move to unburden Chrysler from retired workers' healthcare costs.

Fiat tried to purchase 3.3 percent of the American automaker this July for $139.7 million. The healthcare trust claimed that figure was not enough and refused to sell the portion, resulting in a lawsuit brought by Fiat against the healthcare trust. No update was given on the lawsuit, though Fiat stated that it plans on making another 3.3 percent purchase in January.

Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslereuropeeuropean dept crisisfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneuawThu, 01 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/20366443/article-detail.xml 20366443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler posts $381 million Q3 net profit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chrysler-posts-381-million-q3-net-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chrysler-posts-381-million-q3-net-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chrysler-posts-381-million-q3-net-profit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler Headquarters Pentastar window glass

Chrysler reports that its vehicle sales jumped by 12 percent in the third quarter over the same period in 2011. That step up was enough to bump profits by 80 percent to $381 million on $15.5 billion of net revenue. Moving forward, the automaker expects to see fourth-quarter profit of $210 million, which should help the company realize its forecast of $1.5 billion of net profit for the year. Reuters reports Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne expects the automaker's free cash flow for 2012 to be "well in excess" of $1 billion.

Over the same period, the smallest of the Big Three laid claim to an 11.3-percent slice of the domestic market, thanks largely to a 16-percent jump in US retail sales. More importantly, the manufacturer's net industrial debt now sits at $693 million, down from $2.2 billion one year ago. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler posts $381 million Q3 net profit

Chrysler posts $381 million Q3 net profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler earningsearningsmarchionneq3sergio marchionnethird quarterTue, 30 Oct 2012 14:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/chrysler-posts-381-million-q3-net-profit/20365009/article-detail.xml 20365009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chrysler-hq-pentastar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chrysler-hq-pentastar.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat may control Chrysler, but it can't reach in its pockets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/fiat-may-control-chrysler-but-it-cant-reach-in-its-pockets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/fiat-may-control-chrysler-but-it-cant-reach-in-its-pockets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/fiat-may-control-chrysler-but-it-cant-reach-in-its-pockets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne in front of Fiat emblem

Despite the fact that Fiat has a controlling stake in Chrysler, the Italian automaker cannot take advantage of the Pentastar's recent success to ease its pain in Europe.

Chrysler is on a roll right now, with an improving product portfolio, most recently highlighted by the Dodge Dart small car. The Pentastar brand has combined cash and credit worth $13 billion, but according to a new USA Today report, the Italian automaker cannot plunder Chrysler to address shortfalls on its end. Fiat was forced to cut capital expenditures in 2012 by $612 million, and while the brand posted a $440 million profit, without Chrysler's earnings, it would have been a $302 million loss.

So while the temptation might be there to move around funds where it is needed most, protections have been put in place by the U.S. government. According to Marichionne, "Firewalls are up, [Fiat] can't get to it."

As part of the original deal with Fiat and the U.S. government bailout, Fiat cannot get access to Chrysler's increasing stockpile of cash. It can, however, keep profits, of which Chrysler earned $436 million in the second quarter off this year.

Fiat may control Chrysler, but it can't reach in its pockets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler earningschrysler fiatchrysler profitsfiatfiat chryslermarchionneMon, 06 Aug 2012 17:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/fiat-may-control-chrysler-but-it-cant-reach-in-its-pockets/20294175/article-detail.xml 20294175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fiat-chrysler-boss-sergio-marchionne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fiat-chrysler-boss-sergio-marchionne.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Durango, Avenger models will be discontinued, SRT model for Journey planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/dodge-durango-avenger-models-will-be-discontinued-srt-model-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/dodge-durango-avenger-models-will-be-discontinued-srt-model-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/dodge-durango-avenger-models-will-be-discontinued-srt-model-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Dodge Durango - black, front three-quarter view

Chrysler has gotten on pretty well in the post-bankruptcy world, with a big assist from its newest master. But while Chrysler has seen dramatic improvement thanks to refreshes and a few new models, the next couple years could be very exciting.

Automobile Magazine recently got the chance to talk cars with CEO Sergio Marchionne, and the charismatic leader apparently had plenty to say. Among the top headlines are the reported upcoming death of the Dodge Avenger in 2014 and Dodge Durango in 2016. We're thinking nobody will miss the Avenger, but the Durango sounds like a bit of a bummer.

That's until we see that the Durango will be replaced by a Jeep Wagoneer; a rehash of an old name based on the same platform and engine choices of the Dodge three-row utility. The Durango platform will also spawn the Maserati Kubang (which will likely be named something else), a move that should go a long way toward helping Maserati hit 50,000 units per year.

The Wagoneer is just the tipping point for new Jeeps on the way. Among the other models expected are an all-new Liberty in 2013 followed by a new Patriot in 2014 and a Fiat 500-based subcompact crossover tentatively named Jeepster.

The Chrysler brand should also look a bit more interesting as the 200 gets re-imagined for 2013 and the Town & Country morphs into a crossover in 2015. The Chrysler brand will reportedly also get a Dodge Dart-based 100 compact, but not until 2016 or later, which seems like a long way off.

Among the other interesting vehicles expected to bow are as many as six Alfa Romeo models including the 4C Coupe, the next MiTo, the Giulietta and an unnamed crossover. And then there will be a smattering of new Fiat 500 models including the 500L and the XL, which will reportedly feature seating for up to seven.

The SRT lineup will also be getting a sheetmetal injection with the addition of the Dart SRT4 and the Journey SRT6. Now if Sergio Marchionne can make the Journey exciting, he'll be up for auto executive of the decade.

Dodge Durango, Avenger models will be discontinued, SRT model for Journey planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeochryslerdodgedurangofiatjeepjourneymarchionnesrtwagoneerTue, 05 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20251372/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/dodge-durango-avenger-models-will-be-discontinued-srt-model-fo/20251372/article-detail.xml 20251372 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dodge-durango_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dodge-durango.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sergio Marchionne on last night's <i>60 Minutes</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/watch-sergio-marchionne-on-last-nights-60-minutes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/watch-sergio-marchionne-on-last-nights-60-minutes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/watch-sergio-marchionne-on-last-nights-60-minutes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sergio Marchionne on 60 Minutes

CBS' 60 Minutes sat down with Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne last night to discuss the automaker's resurrection and the touch-and-go period in 2009 when the Fiat executive began talks with the federal government over a controlled Chrysler bankruptcy. Marchionne said that when he arrived at Chrysler, the company's employees were all afraid the company wouldn't survive. Now, he says, that fear is gone. The segment explains how Marchionne saw early on how well Chrysler strengths, specifically in minivans and light trucks, could dovetail with Fiat experience in small-car technology. The executive calls Chrysler the "other half" of the Fiat coin from a product perspective.

The segment also spends some time looking at the upcoming Dodge Dart, with Marchionne saying the car is "mechanically outstanding." The executive played a strong hand in improving both Fiat and Chrysler quality, at least according to Consumer Reports. The besweatered Marchionne also spends a bit of time talking about American workers and the labyrinth of bureaucracy within Chrysler when he arrived. Hit the jump to watch - it's well worth the 13 minutes of your day.

Continue reading Watch Sergio Marchionne on last night's 60 Minutes

Watch Sergio Marchionne on last night's 60 Minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60 minutescbscbs 60 minuteschryslerchrysler-fiatfiatfiat-chryslermarchionnesergio marchionnevideoMon, 26 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/watch-sergio-marchionne-on-last-nights-60-minutes/20200882/article-detail.xml 20200882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/marchionne-on-60-minutes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/marchionne-on-60-minutes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Sergio Marchionne actually made $19M last year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/sergio-marchionne-actually-made-19m-last-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/sergio-marchionne-actually-made-19m-last-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/sergio-marchionne-actually-made-19m-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sergio Marchionne paid

Remember when we told you that Sergio Marchionne didn't receive a paycheck from Chrysler during 2011? As it turns out, it's because he was busy raking in the big bucks from Fiat.

Automotive News reports that Marchionne earned 14.5 million euros ($19 million U.S.) in 2011. The pay includes seven million shares of Fiat stock, which can be exercised between 2012 and 2015, plus a base salary of 2.45 million euros ($3.2 million U.S.).

That's a lot of money for the vast majority of us, but the Chrysler/Fiat CEO is being paid close to what all the other successful chief executives are receiving. The most direct comparison (since both companies are based out of Europe) is Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, who made 17.5 million euro ($23 million U.S.) in 2011. Given that VW made $20.5 billion in 2011, we're thinking Winterkorn has a good argument for saying he's worth the extra $4M.

Sergio Marchionne actually made $19M last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19 millionchryslerchrysler ceofiatfiat ceomarchionnepaysergio marchionnewinterkornFri, 16 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20194622/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/sergio-marchionne-actually-made-19m-last-year/20194622/article-detail.xml 20194622 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sergio-paid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sergio-paid.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler paid Marchionne nothing in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/chrysler-paid-marchionne-nothing-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/chrysler-paid-marchionne-nothing-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/chrysler-paid-marchionne-nothing-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne

Chrysler has filed its annual financial report with the Security and Exchange Commission, and a few important tidbits have thus been revealed. For instance, company CEO Sergio Marchionne was paid exactly zero dollars last year in compensation for the role he played in rescuing Chrysler from the clutches of bankruptcy.

It's important to note that Chrysler is no longer under restrictions from the U.S. government when it comes to executive pay since the Treasury has sold its entire stake in Chrysler. Still, Chrysler voluntarily decided to limit the compensation of some top executives. Marchionne did receive $4.5 million from Fiat, the Italian automaker he guided in its acquisition of Chrysler in 2009.

Up for an interesting exercise? Contrast Marchionne's total compensation with that of rival CEO Alan Mulally from Ford. Mulally received $58.3 million in company stock in 2011, in addition to whatever he is paid in salary as CEO. Of course, Ford did not accept any bailout assistance from the government and was therefore never under any compensation restrictions, but that's still a heck of a lot of money.

Chrysler paid Marchionne nothing in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceo compensationceo paychryslerexecutive compensationexecutive payfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneThu, 08 Mar 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20188954/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/chrysler-paid-marchionne-nothing-in-2011/20188954/article-detail.xml 20188954 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/marchionne-paid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/marchionne-paid.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Fiat 500C front three-quarter

When Fiat pronounced that it was planning to sell 50,000 Fiat 500 models in 2011, we were more than a little skeptical. And now that 2011 is in the rear view mirror, it seems CEO Sergio Marchionne is ready to admit that the sales target was not very realistic.

CNN Money reports that the charismatic Fiat/Chrysler boss is now calling the 50,000 number "incredibly naive," adding that the goal was to best Mini Cooper's 2010 sales total of 45,644. Fiat only managed to sell 19,769 Cinquecento models for the year.

Given that Mini has been in the U.S. for a decade and the marque already has an established dealer body and marketing presence - as well as an entire range of products - critics have said that clear that Fiat's 50,000-unit first-year goal was ambitious to a fault. Marchionne went on to add "we set ourselves up for a fall," but the chief executive insists that the future of Fiat in the U.S. is still very strong.

Even though sales of the 500 came nowhere near 50,000 units, Marchionne says that the Mexico plant that builds the A-segment ride is still profitable. That's because the plant also builds models for South America and China. Marchionne is reportedly hoping to sell between 25,000 and 30,000 copies of the 500 in the U.S. in 2012. While the 500 will likely be the only Fiat-branded model available in U.S. showrooms in 2012, the lineup is at least set to expand with models like the $22,000 high-performance 500 Abarth.

Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500500 abarthchryslercinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat salesmarchionnesergio marchionneTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/20149282/article-detail.xml 20149282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: "Better than 50% chance" next Ram Dakota going unibody, diesel Durango coming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/marchionne-better-than-50-chance-next-ram-dakota-going-unibo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/marchionne-better-than-50-chance-next-ram-dakota-going-unibo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/marchionne-better-than-50-chance-next-ram-dakota-going-unibo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Ram Dakota

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has big plans for the Ram Dakota. Inside Line spoke with Marchionne at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and the besweatered executive said there is a good chance the next-generation Dakota will likely ride on a unibody chassis. That would mark a serious departure from the vehicle's past, as well as the rest of the models in the compact pickup segment (save the at-the-margins Honda Ridgeline), but ditching the frame could give the vehicle a fuel-efficiency edge. If that wasn't a large enough bombshell for you, Marchionne also made mention of the kind of powertrain we can expect to see from the new Dakota.

According to the executive, it only makes sense for the next-generation Ram Dakota to come equipped with a diesel engine. With the Jeep Grand Cherokee set to receive an oil-burning powerplant of its own, spreading the cost of engine development across multiple models only makes sense. We like the sound of a small, lightweight, diesel-powered pickup.

Meanwhile, Ward's Auto reports the Dodge Durango may receive a diesel engine of its own. Marchionne reportedly stressed that Fiat knows diesel technology, and that since the Grand Cherokee is being engineered for a diesel engine in European markets, it wouldn't seem to be that much of a stretch to translate the work into the Durango.

Marchionne: "Better than 50% chance" next Ram Dakota going unibody, diesel Durango coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdakotadetroit auto showdiesel dakotadiesel dodge durangodiesel durangododge dakotadodge durangodurangomarchionneramram dakotasergio marchionneunibodyThu, 12 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/marchionne-better-than-50-chance-next-ram-dakota-going-unibo/20146384/article-detail.xml 20146384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-ram-dakota-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-ram-dakota-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat USA has half-year supply of 500 models, 29 of 130 dealers didn't sell one last month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-usa-has-half-year-supply-of-500-models-29-of-130-dealers-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-usa-has-half-year-supply-of-500-models-29-of-130-dealers-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-usa-has-half-year-supply-of-500-models-29-of-130-dealers-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Fiat 500C

The 2012 Fiat 500 seems to be having trouble gaining sales momentum. Automotive News reports that the Italian hatch is likely to fall well short of its admittedly very ambitious 50,000 unit sales target this year. The model hit the market back in March and has only sold 15,826 units through October. The report also says that of the 150 Fiat dealers in the States, 29 didn't sell a single one last month (presumably at least some of them haven't shifted a vehicle because they were late opening in the first place). Either way, that's a lot of sales people looking longingly out of the show room glass. As a result, Chrysler is now offering a $500 rebate on the vehicle in an effort to entice buyers as the year comes to a close.

More alarmingly, Automotive News says that it has obtained internal company documents that indicates Chrysler has around a half-year supply of 500 models on hand if sales continue at their current pace. The automaker has even begun to scale back production in light of slow demand, reassigning 65 workers at the Dundee, Michigan plant responsible for assembling 500 engines.

Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler's CEO, says that the problem lies with the distribution network, while dealers claim that American buyers aren't interested in such a small vehicle. It remains to be seen whether the addition of the Jennifer Lopez-led national advertising campaign and the arrival of the 500 Abarth and related lifestyle models like the Gucci will result in a meaningful increase in sales.

Fiat USA has half-year supply of 500 models, 29 of 130 dealers didn't sell one last month originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500500ccinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat salesj.lojennifer lopezmarchionneMon, 21 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111519/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/21/fiat-usa-has-half-year-supply-of-500-models-29-of-130-dealers-d/20111519/article-detail.xml 20111519 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-fiat-500c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-fiat-500c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/chrysler-investing-1-7b-in-jeep-liberty-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/chrysler-investing-1-7b-in-jeep-liberty-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/chrysler-investing-1-7b-in-jeep-liberty-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Jeep Liberty announcement

There will be a new Jeep model to replace the Liberty. It will be built at the Toledo North Assemby Plant, and the plan will include creation of a second shift that will augment the Ohio plant's workforce by 1,100-plus positions. The 2013-model Jeep SUV will be developed with a $1.7 billion investment from parent Chrysler, and that bankrolling includes a $500 million renovation to the plant itself to add 260,000 square feet to the body shop, upgrade the facility overall, and also implement a Metrology Center where quality will be put under a microscope by verifying key measurements to make sure fit-and-finish standards are being met.

The plan, announced in Ohio by Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne, gets underway before the close of 2011, and the second shift will begin in late 2013. It's more evidence that Marchionne is having success shepherding Chrysler and all its brands back from the brink. The Liberty replacement will ride atop a platform shared with Fiat, and the vehicle will be exported worldwide. Read the full announcement posted after the jump for more info.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement

Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep libertyjeepjeep libertylibertymarchionnesergio marchionnetoledotoledo north assemblyFri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/chrysler-investing-1-7b-in-jeep-liberty-replacement/20108413/article-detail.xml 20108413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-jeep-liberty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-jeep-liberty.jpg <![CDATA[Former car czar Rattner impressed by quick Detroit 3 turnaround]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/former-car-czar-rattner-impressed-by-quick-detroit-3-turnaround/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/former-car-czar-rattner-impressed-by-quick-detroit-3-turnaround/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/former-car-czar-rattner-impressed-by-quick-detroit-3-turnaround/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Steven Rattner, former Auto Task Force head

Steven Rattner, who headed up the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force during the quick-rinse bankruptcies of Chrysler and General Motors, is more pleased with the success of the auto bailouts than he ever thought he would be. "Overhaul," Rattner's controversial memoir of his time heading up Team Auto and navigating the murky Beltway waters is now out in paperback with a new epilogue that showers high praise on Sergio Marchionne and the efforts Chrysler has made, as well as recounting getting misty watching the new General Motors start trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Throughout "Overhaul," it's clear that Chrysler almost didn't make it, which makes the latest news of a $212 million quarterly profit in Auburn Hills all the more incredible to Rattner. As for GM, Rattner doesn't think the common joke of "Government Motors" is hurting the company, and he says taxpayers likely stand to recoup most of the investment in the two automakers and ancillary investments in suppliers and credit institutions like GMAC (now Ally Bank).

On the one hand, Rattner calls it a story with a happy ending, though he tempers that with more caution later on, saying "the movie's not over yet." Things are certainly looking up for GM and Chrysler, though for how long will be down to management decisions and market conditions.

Former car czar Rattner impressed by quick Detroit 3 turnaround originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutchryslergeneral motorsmarchionneoverhauledrattnersergio marchionnesteven rattnerWed, 02 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/former-car-czar-rattner-impressed-by-quick-detroit-3-turnaround/20096307/article-detail.xml 20096307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/steven-rattner-conversation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/steven-rattner-conversation.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: Two-tier wage structure untenable]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sergio MarchionneChrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that he hopes to end the automaker's two-tier wage structure in the company's next round of labor talks with the United Auto Workers. According to Automotive News, Marchionne said that the current system creates two classes of workers and that it isn't viable in the long term.

The CEO went on to say that the program is currently undermining efforts to make Chrysler and Fiat work together as a single entity. Ideally, Chrysler would have a single wage set that recognizes the level of worker involvement in generating profits for the company.

As Automotive News reminds us, domestic manufacturers won the right to pay entry-level workers a lower wage in 2007. UAW President Bob King has already made waves about doing away with the two-tier pay system, and Marchionne says that his views are consistent with those of the union leader. King said that the union originally left a one-tier system to help save domestic automakers, but now that Ford, General Motors and Chrysler are beginning to look healthy once again, workers want equal pay.

Marchionne: Two-tier wage structure untenable originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingchrysler wagesmarchionnesergio marchionnetwo-tier wagesuawunited auto workerswagesFri, 28 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/20093157/article-detail.xml 20093157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sergio-marchionne-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sergio-marchionne-250.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne aims Maserati at Porsche and Bentley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/marchionne-aims-maserati-at-porsche-and-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/marchionne-aims-maserati-at-porsche-and-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/marchionne-aims-maserati-at-porsche-and-bentley/#commentsFiled under:



Expanding an automotive empire is tricky business. You can either pit one brand within the group against another, or you have to differentiate them significantly. Volkswagen has opted for the former, with numerous competitors from different group brands in the same segments, but the Fiat/Chrysler group over which Sergio Marchionne presides is going the other route.

As a result, Marchionne insists that Ferrari isn't after the same market that the likes of Porsche and Bentley - both part of the Volkswagen group - currently pursue. Ferrari, he says, is in a league of its own, but in fact it plays against the likes of Lamborghini and Bugatti. So what is Marchionne pitting against Porsche and Bentley? Maserati.

Reiterating that Ferrari will never build an SUV or a four-door sedan, Marchionne points to Maserati to fill those niches. In order to get there, as we know, the Trident marque is launching a pair of sedans - one larger and one smaller - to succeed the current Quattroporte, and the SUV currently known as the Kubang, previewed in concept form at the Frankfurt show last month.

Together with the GranTurismo range - the convertible version of which Marchionne is pictured with above - the new models are pegged to boost Maserati's sales up tenfold over the course of the coming years, from the 5,675 units it sold last year up to 55,000 or even 60,000 units. Ferrari's sales, meanwhile, will be limited to 10,000 units from the 6,573 it sold last year in markets around the world.

Marchionne aims Maserati at Porsche and Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinqueportemarchionnemaseratimaserati cinqueportemaserati cinquoportemaserati quattroportequattroportesergio marchionneMon, 24 Oct 2011 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/marchionne-aims-maserati-at-porsche-and-bentley/20088784/article-detail.xml 20088784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/maseratinaias01hr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/maseratinaias01hr.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Grand Caravan, Avenger to be replaced by Fiat-based crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/dodge-grand-caravan-avenger-to-be-replaced-by-fiat-based-crosso/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/dodge-grand-caravan-avenger-to-be-replaced-by-fiat-based-crosso/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/dodge-grand-caravan-avenger-to-be-replaced-by-fiat-based-crosso/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to Automotive News, the Chrysler Group will kill off one of its bread-and-butter minivans - the Dodge Grand Caravan - sometime during the 2013 calendar year. This will leave only the Chrysler Town & Country to do minivan battle for the Pentastar automaker. Curiously, through September of 2011, the Grand Caravan has actually outsold the more expensive Town & Country by almost 14,000 units.

Getting rid of the Grand Caravan is apparently part of Chrysler's move to eliminate dealership duplication, a plan that was started under the company's previous owners, Cerberus Capital Management. In addition to the Dodge van, the Avenger sedan will also be killed off when the Chrysler 200 replacement arrives in 2013. (Like the Grand Caravan and Town & Country, the Avenger and 200 are nearly identical underneath the skin.)

Automotive News suggests that the Grand Caravan and Avenger will be replaced by a single future Dodge crossover that will be based on a Fiat platform. The next-generation Town & Country is expected to arrive sometime in 2014.

Do you think this is a smart move? Have your say in Comments.

Dodge Grand Caravan, Avenger to be replaced by Fiat-based crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge avenger2012 dodge caravanavengercaravanchryslerdodgefiatgrand caravanmarchionnesergio marchionneMon, 10 Oct 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/dodge-grand-caravan-avenger-to-be-replaced-by-fiat-based-crosso/20077682/article-detail.xml 20077682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/03-2011-dodge-grand-caravan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/03-2011-dodge-grand-caravan.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne named Chrysler board chairman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/marchionne-named-chrysler-board-chairman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/marchionne-named-chrysler-board-chairman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/marchionne-named-chrysler-board-chairman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

sergio marchionne

Sergio Marchionne, the man in charge of both Fiat and Chrysler, has been named... the man in charge of both Fiat and Chrysler. Marchionne currently wears the CEO title for both automakers, and now he has officially been crowned as Chrysler's chairman. Besides a nice addition to his resumé, this move consolidates Marchionne's dual roles into an official position as the all-encompassing leader he already is.

Marchionne still has big plans for both brands, and one of his goals is to turn two into one. Fiat and Chrysler will eventually become one massive automaker, as the Italian company continues to gobble up more of an ownership stake in the American company. Right now, Fiat owns 53.5 percent of Chrysler, but that figure should rise to nearly 60 percent by the end of the year.

Marchionne named Chrysler board chairman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler charimanfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneThu, 08 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/marchionne-named-chrysler-board-chairman/20037874/article-detail.xml 20037874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/sergio-marchionne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/sergio-marchionne.jpg -1 2