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[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[Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - live on stage, front three-quarter view

Preliminary first-quarter results from 2013 have been announced by Chrysler, and the company is reporting a net income of $166 million on revenue of $15.4 billion. Compared to this period last year, net income is down $307 million and revenue has dropped $1 billion.

Chrysler says that its quarter was negatively affected by the costs associated with launching its 2013 Ram Heavy Duty, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and preparation for the return of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee pictured above. The launches should provide a strong second half of 2013, says the automaker. "We remain on track to achieve our business targets, even as the first-quarter results were affected by an aggressive product launch schedule," said Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

On a positive note, the automaker says worldwide vehicle sales are up 8 percent from one year ago, a number pushed by a 12 percent bump in U.S. retail sales. In addition, domestic market share has risen slightly, up to 11.4 percent from 11.2 percent last year. Read more in the official statement below.

Continue reading Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012

Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler first quarterchrysler saleschrysler sales figuresfirst quarter incomefirst quarter revenuejeepsergio marchionneMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/20551949/article-detail.xml 20551949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands on face

At the moment, Fiat is in court with the United Auto Workers, waiting for the justice system to provide some guidance on a fair price for 41.5-percent of Chrysler it doesn't own. Fiat owns 58.5 percent of the company and wishes to buy the remainder, which is owned by the union's VEBA retiree trust, but the Italian company and the UAW are on different sides of the galaxy when it comes to assigning a fair price to that outstanding stake.

Naturally, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is considering his options. A new report in the The Wall Street Journal says one of the scenarios being considered now is - depending on the outcome of the court case - to purchase the 41.5-percent stake and then issue an IPO to recoup some of the cost. About two months ago, Marchionne put the odds of an IPO for a wholly combined Fiat/Chrysler at 50 percent. Even with the WSJ report, it's not clear if those odds have changed.

The current company structure leaves a lot of options as to how a potential IPO could be issued, but it's said that Marchionne is against it, preferring "to be one company," under Fiat, indivisible. If Fiat is finally able to purchase all of the Pentastar, it would get access to Chrysler's war chest, pegged at $11.9 billion at the end of Q3 in 2012, and that money can't come soon enough for a brand taking a beating in Europe and delaying product over cash concerns.

Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler ipofiatfiat ipoinitial public offeringiposergio marchionneuawunited auto workersvebaWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/20548386/article-detail.xml 20548386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned.jpg <![CDATA[How the US market will help Alfa triple sales in three years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alfa Romeo 4C

Automotive News Europe reports Alfa Romeo has a plan to triple its global sales by 2016, meaning the automaker will need to increase its sales to around 300,000 units in less than three years. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has set the ambitious targets for the brand, but Alfa Romeo head Louis-Carl Vignon believes the numbers are realistic, thanks in no small part to the fact that the company is headed to the US market. Right now, Alfa Romeo relies on selling its old MiTo and Giullietta in Europe - a region that continues to suffer at the hands of an extended economic downturn.

Moving forward, Alfa Romeo will have new products available in new markets outside of the EU. The brand will return to the US this year for the first time since 1995, and the company plans to be in Africa, Russia and the Middle East by 2016 as well.

The 4C will lead the brand's return to American soil, with the mid-engined sports car headed to this year's LA Auto Show for a North American debut. Shortly thereafter, the company's Giulia sedan and wagon as well as an unnamed large premium sedan will also show up on dealer lots.

How the US market will help Alfa triple sales in three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4calfa romeoalfa romeo 4cfiatsergio marchionneThu, 11 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/20535244/article-detail.xml 20535244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C live at Geneva Motor Show reveal

For more than two years, Volkswagen has been making public statements about its willingness to buy Alfa Romeo and quadruple the Italian brand's sales, and for just as long, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has replied with some version of "Mr. Piëch, drop it." According to a report in Ward's Auto, all that jousting might be over: it claims that sources close to both Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admit that the two are in talks for Audi to buy not just Alfa Romeo, but a production plant in Italy. In fact, a final deal could possibly include partsmaker Magnetti Marelli.

Against that backdrop, a report by German news weekly Stern quotes a Fiat spokesmen as saying it doesn't comment on rumors and an Audi rep has said flatly that "There is no substance in the news." If a sale is being arranged, the timing would seem to point to how eager Fiat is to raise cash to complete its major initiatives. Even though Alfa Romeo continues to delay its return to the US, it just showed off the production version of the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show (shown above) and said that preferred Fiat dealerships here would get them. Then there's Alfa's recently concluded deal with Mazda to develop a roadster based on the next generation MX-5 Miata - a deal that would seem to help both the Italian and Japanese brands.

The monetary issues are troublesome, though. Fiat is taking a beating in the European market and its weak-kneed balance sheet is delaying gotta-have-it products like the Jeep Cherokee. Fiat has been talking to banks about getting money to buy the rest of Chrysler and those financial institutions have also raised issues about debt and cash reserves, and the nasty game of chess Fiat is playing with the United Auto Workers (and now the court system about the portion of Chrysler it doesn't own) could end up blowing another hole in Marchionne's plans. It is possible that this could finally have convinced Fiat to at least see how serious Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is about buying Alfa Romeo. Or it could be just another rumor.

Beyond Alfa Romeo, the report says the deal being discussed would include the rather modern Pomigliano d'Arco plant built just for the production of Alfa Romeos. Audi's interest in Magnetti Marelli is claimed to be because the German brand wants a components maker and it would also like to establish an R&D center in Italy, where its holdings already include Lamborghini, Ducati and the styling house Italdesign-Guigiaro.

Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo audiaudiaudi alfa romeofiatitalymagnetti marellirupert stadlersergio marchionnevolkswagenvwThu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/20522341/article-detail.xml 20522341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler 200 replacement coming in January]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/chrysler-200-replacement-coming-in-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/chrysler-200-replacement-coming-in-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/chrysler-200-replacement-coming-in-january/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Chrysler 200 - front three-quarter view

Autoweek reports the next Chrysler 200 will bow early next year. CEO Sergio Marchionne has said the 2015 model will debut next January, and Chrysler plans to cut the 2014 200 model year short to make way for the model's successor. According to AW, internal documents reveal 2014 model production will start this July and run through early January, 2014. The memos don't specify whether its Dodge Avenger twin will also see a shortened model year (the latter was originally rumored for discontinuation, but a successor is apparently back on the table). Chrysler is investing some $1 billion to construct paint and body facilities at its Sterling Heights, Michigan plant for the next-generation 200.

From what we've heard so far, we can expect the 2015 200 to bring a new design language to the Chrysler brand that will eventually bleed into the automaker's other products. Early reports have also suggested the four door will boast a nine-speed automatic transmission and return up to 38 miles per gallon.

Chrysler executed a very successful facelift in 2011, turning the flailing Sebring into the newly minted 200. Buyers responded enthusiastically, with sales jumping 44 percent in 2012. That step up was enough to make the 200 the brand's best-selling car. The momentum hasn't slackened, either, with sales up 21 percent during the first two months of this year.

Chrysler 200 replacement coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200200 sedan2015 chrysler 200chryslerchrysler 200chrysler sebringsergio marchionneMon, 18 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507891/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/chrysler-200-replacement-coming-in-january/20507891/article-detail.xml 20507891 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-chrysler-200-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-chrysler-200-628.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[Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat and Chrysler logosAll that stands in the way of Fiat's total ownership of Chrysler is a 41.5-percent stake currently held by the United Auto Workers healthcare trust, but according to SFGate.com, Sergio Marchionne is currently trying to raise the capital to complete the acquisition. The article says that a deal could be completed in as soon as 12 months, and the estimate for the remaining stake could cost Fiat SpA around $2.98 billion.

With a goal of completing the deal by the end of 2014, Marchionne is said to be in talks with various banks to help finance some of the deal. According to the report, the banks have indicated a need for a stronger balance sheet, controlled debt and reserve cash.

Two things that don't seem to be on the table to get the deal completed include issuing new shares to raise the capital or selling a stake in Ferrari. Fiat started with a 20 percent share of Chrysler in June 2009, and it raised its stake up to 58.5 percent in January 2012.

Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler fiatfiatfiat chryslerfiat chrysler mergersergio marchionneWed, 13 Feb 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/20458907/article-detail.xml 20458907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fiat badge

You can add Fiat to the admittedly short list of automakers considering a low-cost brand to rival Dacia. The inexpensive Eastern European brand from Renault-Nissan has performed on the balance sheet like a premium model line, and the money the alliance is taking off the table is encouraging other players to deal themselves in. Pretty soon Nissan's Datsun sub-brand will join the Dacia party, going on sale in Russia, Indonesia and India and will claim even more rubles, rupiahs and rupees for the parent company. Volkswagen recently said it will make a decision this year on a budget line for the Chinese market. With the euthanasia of Lancia and plans to move the Fiat brand upmarket, company CEO Sergio Marchionne wonders aloud to Automotive News Europe whether there could be room for a new budget brand underneath Fiat.

We're told that the initiative has been in the idea box for five years and even moved to the stage of name considerations, like Innocenti, but worries about profit kept it from realization. If such a range were to be developed, Marchionne says it couldn't be built in Italy and stay within budget, and the company is "analyzing its manufacturing capacity outside of Europe to see if a low-cost brand is viable."

Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadatsunemerging marketsfiatlancianissanrenaultsergio marchionneTue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448318/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/20448318/article-detail.xml 20448318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/#commentsMaserati Kubang Concept live at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Automotive News Europe reports Fiat will build its new Maserati Levante SUV in Turin, Italy. CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed in an interview that the luxury utility will be manufactured at Fiat's flagship plant, and that the Mirafiori facility may build an Alfa Romeo SUV variant as well. Reports as far back as 2011 originally suggested the Italian-branded luxury SUV would be built in Detroit alongside its Jeep Grand Cherokee relative. Marchionne now says Fiat will construct both Maserati and Alfa Romeo vehicles in Turin, but has thus far declined to comment on exactly which models will be manufactured at the plant.

Right now, the factory is only running a few days per month, but Fiat has committed to investing around $1.63 billion to relaunch Maserati, and a fair slice of those funds could go toward revamping the Turin plant. Marchionne also made it clear that the Chrysler dealer network in the US will play a large role in the future success of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Set to bow in 2014 and hit dealers by 2015, the Maserati Levante is expected to take cues from the brand's 2011 Kubang concept shown above. As the Trident's first SUV, the Levante is expected to compete directly with the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover.

Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo suvkubanglevantemaseratimaserati suvsergio marchionneturinMon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/20447801/article-detail.xml 20447801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/maseratikubang19-1315926298_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/maseratikubang19-1315926298.jpg <![CDATA[Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sergio Marchionne commencement speech

We've seen some pretty great commencement speeches over the years. There was Steve Jobs' incredibly inspiring Stanford address in 2005, John Stewart's insightful speech to the graduating class of William and Mary in 2004 and Steven Colbert's hilarious 2011 address at Northwestern, but automotive executives aren't strangers to honorary degrees. Former General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner spoke at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne recently gave the keynote at Walsh College's 100th Commencement Ceremony. The executive knows a thing or two about success and following one's beliefs to fulfillment.

"I constantly encourage my co-workers at Fiat and Chrysler to go beyond the cliche and the conventional to try new approaches and change perspective each and every day," Marchionne said. "I exhort them not to repeat the same things, the same approaches, and I remind them they are indeed free. The freedom I am talking about is something inside you. It is determined by how open minded you remain, how receptive you are to the new and to the different, to the infinite possibilities that present themselves even if you don't go looking for them or could never have imagined. Being free means that you have the strength not to be conditioned by what others want you to do or by what may seem to be the easiest choice."

Amen to that. You can check out the brief press release on the address below as well as a video of a few highlights from the speech.

Continue reading Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this

Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercommencement speechfiatmarchionne commencement speechsergio marchionnesergio marchionne commencement speechwalsh collegeSat, 02 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443015/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/02/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/20443015/article-detail.xml 20443015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-commencement-speech-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-commencement-speech-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler expecting up to 200,000 9-speed transmissions for 3 models this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chrysler-expecting-up-to-200-000-9-speed-transmissions-for-3-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chrysler-expecting-up-to-200-000-9-speed-transmissions-for-3-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chrysler-expecting-up-to-200-000-9-speed-transmissions-for-3-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Camouflaged 2014 Jeep Liberty replacement prototype - spy shot

Striving for improved fuel economy, we already knew that Chrysler will begin using a nine-speed automatic transmission in some of its new products this year, but what we haven't known is that volume at which this gearbox will be used. According to Bloomberg, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has been quoted as saying that the automaker expects to sell close to 200,000 units equipped with this new transmission in 2013. Those gear-rich trannies will be spread out across three models, consisting of the redesigned Chrysler 200, the still-unnamed Jeep Liberty replacement and the Dodge Dart.

This transmission should play a pivotal role in making Chrysler vehicles more competitive in their respective segments. Just for comparison, one of the Dart's key competitors, the Toyota Corolla, still uses a four-speed automatic, and a previous report indicates that the next-generation 200 could get up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway, which is better than most non-hybrid midsize sedans on the market. Marchionne says that the new Jeep model is expected during the second quarter of this year, but there is no word as to when the new 200 or nine-speed Dart will debut, but clearly Dodge would like to have the transmission in its compact yesterday. As for that volume figure, it definitely doesn't seem out of reach since the Dart, Liberty and 200 combined for a total of more than 225,000 units in 2012.

How many more gears can we expect in future cars? Probably not many more, since the CEO of transmission-builder ZF, Stefan Sommer, previously stated that nine speeds was the "natural limit" for transmissions.

Chrysler expecting up to 200,000 9-speed transmissions for 3 models this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002014 chrysler 2002014 dodge dart2014 jeep liberty9-speedchryslerdartdodgejeeplibertynine-speednine-speed transmissionsergio marchionneTue, 22 Jan 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/chrysler-expecting-up-to-200-000-9-speed-transmissions-for-3-mod/20433570/article-detail.xml 20433570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-jeep-liberty-replacement-spy-shots-1358373190_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-jeep-liberty-replacement-spy-shots-1358373190.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler/Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne at Chrysler press conference

As a reporter covering an auto show, the one opportunity you never want to miss is going to the Sergio Marchionne press briefing.

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice."

There just aren't that many real characters left in the auto industry. Marchionne, who sits atop both Chrysler and Fiat, is not only one of the smartest execs in the business, but also the most frank. Herein, a sample of the quotable always-sweatered executive:

A controversial remark on the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States:

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice... Alfas must have 'wop' engines... and we don't have the powertrains worked out just yet.. we won't put any Chrysler engines in Alfas, or Maseratis."

The production Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, which may be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is not ready for a US launch, Marchionne said earlier this week at the Detroit Auto Show. But then, on January 18 at the INforum breakfast in Detroit, Marchionne reportedly reversed course and said the 4C will be ready for US dealers by the end of this year. Given how many delays have been suffered in Alfa's return plans, we'll file this under "wait and see."

Continue reading Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans

Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeochryslerdart gtdodgefiatgrand caravanminivanssergio marchionnetown countrytown and countryFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/20429611/article-detail.xml 20429611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Industry observers are expecting Europe's new vehicle sales to fall to lows not seen in decades, with Fiat and PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sitting in the lead car of the plummeting coaster. Both of those automakers traditionally count on the southern part of the continent for sales, yet consumers in that region have slowed spending due to the financial crisis.

Compounding the problem for Fiat is a lack of new product, as CEO Sergio Marchionne has stalled development to conserve cash during the downturn. PSA has invested in new vehicles, but aggressive price wars have forced it to sell its product with steep discounts. Making matters even more difficult, both companies may have their credit ratings cut this year. That would raise borrowing costs and only deepen the wounds.

The news isn't just bad for Fiat and PSA. Analysts are predicting that volume automakers in Europe lost 8 billion euros (about $10.68 billion in today's rates) overall in 2012, and they won't break even until mid-decade.

Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefiatpsapsa peugeot citroensergio marchionneThu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426489/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/20426489/article-detail.xml 20426489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/marchionne-uses-racial-epithet-to-describe-what-must-power-futur/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/marchionne-uses-racial-epithet-to-describe-what-must-power-futur/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/marchionne-uses-racial-epithet-to-describe-what-must-power-futur/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sergio Marchionne

Sergio Marchionne and his Fiat empire have a lot riding on the US return of the Alfa Romeo brand. The endeavor has been in progress for what feels like a lifetime - certainly for as long as Fiat has had the Chrysler brand under its Italian wing.

It's not surprising that Fiat CEO Marchionne needs a perfect first Alfa to mark a return to America. And here's where things get dicey. Nobody would argue with Marchionne's insistence that Alfa Romeo's be powered by Italian engines - as Marchionne himself is quoted to have said at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, "There are some things that are well done in Italy."

If not what he said, then, it's how he said it that has eyebrows raised. "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 needs to be a wop engine." Wait, what's that?

As it turns out, the term "wop" is a racial slur referring to Italians that is either an acronym for "with out papers" or a play on the word "guappo," meaning thug or bully in Italian. Perhaps, considering that Marchionne carries both Canadian and Italian citizenship, his use of the word is playful. Either way, it's a somewhat surprising choice.

In somewhat related news, Marchionne also touched on the sales success of the Jeep brand and how it's caused hardship within company ranks. "I didn't sell all the Grand Cherokees I could have sold, I didn't sell all of the Wranglers that I could have sold because I couldn't make them. There was a natural limitation to my ability to compete."

That natural limitation lies with suppliers. Jeep set a global sales record last year of 701,626 units, led by strong demand for the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models, which are built in the United States. Marchionne estimates that Jeep could have sold 70,000 more units had suppliers been able to keep up with demand.

Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo uschryslerfiatitalianjeepracial slursergio marchionnewopwop engineWed, 16 Jan 2013 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/16/marchionne-uses-racial-epithet-to-describe-what-must-power-futur/20430694/article-detail.xml 20430694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-chrysler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-chrysler.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-and-fiat-offering-1-000-rebates-to-vw-owners-as-marchi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-and-fiat-offering-1-000-rebates-to-vw-owners-as-marchi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-and-fiat-offering-1-000-rebates-to-vw-owners-as-marchi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne

The throw-down between Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Volkswagen has heated up in earnest. According to Bloomberg, Fiat and Chrysler are now offering current Volkswagen owners in the US $1,000 rebates to trade in their ride. It's the latest in a series of shots Marchionne has taken at his German rival. As you may recall, the Fiat executive entered into a spat with Volkwagen board chairman Ferdinand Piëch and CEO Martin Winterkorn in October after the duo called for Marchionne's resignation from presidency of the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (AECA). At the time, the Volkswagen executives were quoted as saying Fiat would not survive the European economic downturn.

In response, Marchionne called the German executives "reprehensible," and accused Volkswagen of using a pricing strategy that has created created a "bloodbath" in the EU. Volkswagen has taken to steep discounting to carve out ever-larger slices of market share in Europe, but the company has a much smaller foothold in the US. Marchionne may be trying to hit Volkswagen where the manufacturer is weakest with the new Fiat new incentive program.

Late last week, the Fiat executive was voted to a second term as ACEA president.

Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerferdinand piechfiatincentivesmartin winterkornrebatesergio marchionnevolkswagenMon, 10 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398563/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/chrysler-and-fiat-offering-1-000-rebates-to-vw-owners-as-marchi/20398563/article-detail.xml 20398563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/sergio-marchionne-smiling_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/sergio-marchionne-smiling.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[<i>Automotive News</i> names its industry All-Stars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/automotive-news-names-its-industry-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/automotive-news-names-its-industry-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/automotive-news-names-its-industry-all-stars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Automotive News has announced its annual list of Industry All-Stars. This year, the theme is apparently "success in the face of economic uncertainty," or something of that liking. The list points to executives who have led their respective brands and automakers to positive sales in spite of the European financial crisis and slowing sales in China. See the list below, and you'll understand why:
  • Industry Leader of the Year and CEO, Europe - Martin Winterkorn, CEO, Volkswagen Group (above): The VW boss started with the German automaker in 2007, overseeing a staggering 12 brands. Under his leadership, sales of Volkswagens have gained in both China and America. VW has also expanded production to America and grown its operations in Brazil. Winterkorn is a very hands-on executive, traveling to America six times to test and tweak the American-built current-generation Passat. Volkswagen is aiming to be the largest and most profitable automaker in the wold by 2018, and Winterkorn will stay on through that time, making him accountable for those goals.
  • CEO, North America - Sergio Marchionne, CEO, Chrysler Group: How does 31 straight months of positive year-over-year sales sound? The Fiat and Chrysler chief has bestowed dealers with a wealth of new product, and the American automaker is expected to post $1.5 billion in profits this year, in spite of economic turmoil in Europe.
  • CEO, Asia - Takanobu Ito, President, Honda Motor Co.: In addition to leading the Japanese automaker through the aftermath and destruction of a tsunami, Takanobu Ito has overseen the revival of the NSX sportscar and the emergency facelift of the Honda Civic. He has also stated the company is looking to grow to six million in global sales in the next four years. Big plans, but he has also delivered up to this point.
  • US Exec, Asian Automaker - Jim Lentz, CEO Toyota Motor Sales USA: Lentz has endured as Toyota's US boss through the 2010 unintended acceleration issue, and the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Through all of this, the Toyota Camry is still America's best-selling car, and profits are on the rise. Success in the face of crisis, indeed.
  • US Exec, European Automaker - Jonathan Browning, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America: The 53-year-old Englishman came over to head up Volkswagen of America two years ago. Since then, VW sales have increased here at a rapid pace, and the brand has opened the Chattanooga plant to build the Passat. The plant is expected to expand to produce a mid-sized crossover (Tiguan perhaps?) for the US market.
To see the rest of the AN All-Stars, as well as previous year's winners, click through to the link below.

Automotive News names its industry All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive newsautomotive news all starsjim lentzjonathan browningmartin winterkornsergio marchionnetakanobu itoWed, 28 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/automotive-news-names-its-industry-all-stars/20388422/article-detail.xml 20388422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628.jpg <![CDATA[European banks downgrade Fiat, share prices tumble]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/european-banks-downgrade-fiat-share-prices-tumble/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/european-banks-downgrade-fiat-share-prices-tumble/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/european-banks-downgrade-fiat-share-prices-tumble/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Shares of Chrysler parent company Fiat SpA fell by 5.9 percent on Tuesday. Two European banks downgraded the company's stock, with UBS AG dropping the company's stock from a "buy" rating to "neutral." Likewise, Deutsche Bank cut the company's shares from "hold" to "sell" amid concerns that the company will need a new cash infusion to fund CEO Sergio Marchionne's plans for the automaker. Marchionne has made it clear he plans to purchase the remainder of Chrysler, which will require Fiat to raise somewhere between 1.6 billion and 2.9 billion euros. That's due in part to the fact that the company may have to start paying fair-market value for Chrysler stock as the company's initial public offer grows near.

Bloomberg reports Marchionne is keen to increase the Fiat stake in Chrysler in order to access the profitable North American manufacturer's cash flow. Fiat could then use those funds to jump start its ailing European operations, though Marchionne has been quoted as saying Fiat doesn't need Chrysler's cash to bring its EU business in line. Last quarter, Fiat reported 20 billion euros of available liquidity, down from 22.7 billion euros at the end of June.

European banks downgrade Fiat, share prices tumble originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler stockearningsfiatsergio marchionneFri, 23 Nov 2012 09:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385698/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/23/european-banks-downgrade-fiat-share-prices-tumble/20385698/article-detail.xml 20385698 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sergio-marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sergio-marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW trust demands Fiat pay $342M for Chrysler shares]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob King, UAW president addressing the faithful

Last month, we brought you the latest news in a rather tenuous ordeal between Fiat and the United Auto Workers over the future of the Italian automaker's stake in Chrysler. The union contended that Fiat failed to make an adequate offer for the 3.3-percent stake that was sought. Fiat offered $139.7 million for the shares in July, which the UAW rejected.

We now have word of the union's counter offer of $342 million - more than double what Fiat proposed. According to Reuters, the entity in question is the UAW's healthcare trust, known as Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association, or VEBA, which currently owns 41.5 percent of the American automaker. Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has voiced his intent to eventually purchase the trust's full 41.5 percent stake in Chrysler as part of a long-term unification plan.

Following the initial offer from Fiat, the trust refused to sell the 3.3 percent share in July, which resulted in a lawsuit brought by Fiat. As part of this counteroffer, VEBA has brought a counter suit, as well as a statement claiming that the initial Fiat offer was "substantially below market value."

VEBA originated from the 2007 auto bailouts, in which retiree medical benefits were shed off into their own entity to facilitate restructuring of the automakers. Rather than taking cash to fund its restructuring, VEBA took the Chrysler stock, which is the center of this current conundrum. According to a spokesperson for the trust, "sale of the called shares at the price calculated by Fiat would constitute a transaction prohibited by federal law." At this time, neither the automaker, the trust, nor the Securities and Exchange Commission have commented on the proposed transaction.

UAW trust demands Fiat pay $342M for Chrysler shares originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutchryslerchrysler stockfiatlawsuitsergio marchionneuawunited auto workersvebaTue, 13 Nov 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/20378640/article-detail.xml 20378640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king.jpg -1 2