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 shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/exclusive-marchionne-shows-of-2012-dodge-viper-at-dealer-meetin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/exclusive-marchionne-shows-of-2012-dodge-viper-at-dealer-meetin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/exclusive-marchionne-shows-of-2012-dodge-viper-at-dealer-meetin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for high-res image gallery

At yesterday's Chrysler dealer conference, the Pentastar people publicly revealed new or updated products from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat. But there was more on stage than just a facelifted Town & Country and a federalized Fiat 500.

Towards the end of his remarks, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne pulled a Steve Jobs-style "one more thing," and onto the stage rolled the 2012 Dodge Viper. According to our sources, the design was all-new, complete with an aggressive greenhouse and fresh, angular sheetmetal.

Jeep GladiatorChrysler has already confirmed that the next Viper is on its way in two years' time, but showing it off this early is a clear indication that work is well underway. There's still some debate about what powertrain will be fitted to the thoroughly updated Viper, but early reports indicate that the same 8.4-liter V10 could carry on, possibly with the inclusion of Fiat's MultiAir technology to reduce emissions and boost output over 700 horsepower. An entry-level V8 option is a possibility, and there's little doubt that Dodge is tapping Ferrari's engineers to advise on everything from handling to steering and stability control systems.

Another supposed cameo at the event was a Jeep pickup, similar to the Gladiator concept, however, we've yet to confirm its attendance or any serious production plans. But for the time being, we're content with the knowledge that Dodge's next supercar is in the wings and we'll being seeing it in person within the next several months.

UPDATE: More details from the Wall Street Journal.


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR


Gallery: 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept

Marchionne shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat S.p.A is a conglomerate divided into Fiat Autos and Fiat Industrial, the two combining to own or control well over 20 companies. The auto side includes Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati, Magnetti Marelli and Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The industrial side controls companies like Iveco and Case New Holland, the latter being the second largest producer of agricultural equipment in the world after Deere & Company.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, citing the divergent customers, strategies, capital needs and potential alliance partners of the two divisions, is asking shareholders to approve a demerger. If the shareholders go for it, the 111-year-old company would divide into Fiat Auto S.p.A. for the auto side and Fiat Industrial S.p.A. for the remainder.

The division of the company was approved by the board in July and shareholders have until this Thursday to make up their minds about which way to vote. If the yays have it then the two companies will be standalone entities as of January 1, 2011. Shareholders would get one share in each of the companies for every share they currently hold. Analysts are cautious but supportive of the move, which will probably be the strongest test yet of Marchionne's long-term plan for Fiat.

[Source: Financial Times]

Report: Marchionne to ask Fiat stockholders to demerge the company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sergio Marchionne harbors no illusions about Chrysler being in the black for 2010. The Detroit News reports the Chrysler chairman and Fiat CEO stated flat out that a net profit in 2010 isn't likely during an August 23rd tour of a Toledo Jeep plant. Despite recent reports of operating profits from Chrysler, there's still tremendous cost associated with loan interest payments and a lineup of moribund product to turn over. Add to the mix the reintroduction of Fiat automobiles to the U.S. market, and you've got an outlook that's best described as "challenging."

Still, Marchionne told U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, also in attendance, that Chrysler is "ahead of plan" during the tour. That plan includes paying back its $12 billion in governmental loans and launching the Fiat 500 in North America. A meeting on August 30th will lay out the requirements for dealers interested in Fiat stores, and Marchionne reports strong interest.

Dealers that choose to take on Fiat must create standalone showrooms for the brand, requiring significant investment, though there's little overlap between Fiat and Chrysler product lines to muddy sales efforts. Other rumors that Marchionne dodged were talk of a Jeep Liberty-based SUV to be built in Toledo, and whether or not an Alfa Romeo sedan will be built in Brampton, Ontario.

[Source: Detroit News]

Marchionne: Chrysler profit not likely for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler may be more than a little short on new products right now, but that apparently isn't stopping Team Pentastar from bolstering its bottom line. The Detroit Free Press reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters that Chrysler managed to produce black ink between April and June. We won't know exactly how much money Detroit-based automaker pulled in until August.

In any case, this counts as phenomenal news for the struggling automaker, which went through bankruptcy proceedings during the second quarter of 2009. Chrysler also posted an operating profit of $143 million in the first quarter, though one-time costs meant an overall loss of $197 million at that time.

While we'll have to wait a couple more week for Chrysler's official Q2 numbers, Fiat has already posted its results for the quarter. The Italian automaker managed a $146 million profit bolstered by a 12.5 percent increase in revenue. Global sales reportedly grew by 6.7 percent versus the same quarter in 2009, even with a 21.5 percent drop in sales in Italy. Fiat's domestic market sales were negatively impacted due to the end of the country's Cash for Clunkers-style program.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]

Marchionne: Chrysler earned operating profit in Q2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat has the highly regarded Multijet diesel engine among its offerings, and Volkswagen has been spending massive amounts of moolah to soften American hearts toward diesels. Yet in spite of those two factoids, at a recent symposium in Michigan Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne championed compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel he'd like to see take a notable place among the panoply of domestic options.

Last year when Fiat presented its five-year plan, the senior VP of powertrain, Paolo Ferrero, mentioned diesels, hybrids and electric cars as intentions beyond the direct-injected and turbocharged ICE. Earlier this year an electric Fiat 500 was announced for 2012. But the push has apparently already begun to integrate compressed and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles. Fiat's already has the experience and hardware in South America, where its tetrafuel engines run on four different fuels.

Marchionne didn't offer any kind of timetable for the arrival of CNG, saying only that it "is the most effective solution, in terms of costs and timing, to lessen this country's reliance on oil" as well as making it clear that it could be a quicker way for Chrysler to get seriously green. He did admit, though, that the infrastructure is nowhere close to making it viable. We will admit that the idea of an Alfa Giulietta that runs on LPG is an enticing thought. But we'd be even more enticed if Fiat could get even one Giulietta here for retail sale that runs on... well, anything.


Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta


[Source: NGV Global]

Fiat's Marchionne wants to add CNG- and LPG-powered vehicles to Chrysler's lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Fiat and Chrysler merged, it was assumed that Fiat and Chrysler-branded products would be sharing a common showroom floor. Well, you know what happens when you assume. The Detroit Bureau reports that when Fiat-badged vehicles arrive Stateside at the end of the year they will be sold in an all-new showroom bereft of any manner of Chrysler product. The news reportedly comes from none other than Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who adds that a total of 200 Fiat stores will come online in an undetermined time.

While Chrysler dealers are likely a bit upset that they won't have Fiat products to sell in their dealerships, they will reportedly get first dibs to claim one of the 200 stand-alone stores. And those dealerships must be equipped with both sales and service departments as well. The first Fiat to enter the Fiat-exclusive showroom will be the diminutive 500, which has been very well-received overseas. And more product is undoubtedly also on the way, as the 500 alone is not a big enough carrot to warrant buying a new dealership.

Opening 200 new dealerships will not be cheap, as a new full-service dealer can cost $1 million or more. There are also the costs associated with marketing a new brand in the U.S., which will likely cost well over $100 million. Since Fiat vehicles haven't been available here in States in a couple decades, the folks in Turin, Italy will likely have a lot of work to do to spread the word. Those who actually remember the Fiat brand in the U.S. market will likely need the most convincing, as horrible quality woes were a main factor in the brands failure.


Gallery: Fiat 500


[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Report: Chrysler to set up separate Fiat dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sergio

Everyone is watching General Motors CEO Ed Whitacre, Jr. to see what he'll be able to pull of this year with respect to his plans, including a possible IPO. Count Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne among the interested. While the Fiat 500's introduction will likely result in Fiat upping its Chrysler stake to 25 percent, when it comes to a Chrysler IPO, Marchionne is thinking 2011, and he wants GM to go first, according to Automotive News.

Marchionne feels there's enough investor interest for both GM and Chrylser IPOs, but said, "Let him go, he's been itching to go," in reference to Whitacre wanting a GM IPO as soon as this year. Chrysler has good reason to wait. It's arguably further behind than GM in its turnaround, and whereas GM has the Volt to make a potential shareholder splash in 2010, Chrysler's product fireworks won't really start booming until next year.

For now, Chrysler milestones are being reached ahead of schedule and things in Auburn Hills are going well enough to get Marchionne to say, "May is "turning out to be a good month." A Chrysler IPO is obviously desired, but based on Marchionne's latest statements, it remains in the distance.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Marchionne says "Probably 2011" on Chrysler IPO, wants GM to go first originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne appears to be a fairly optimistic chap, and recent news coming out of Auburn Hills shows that he may have reason to begin seeing the Pentastar's glass as half full. Marchionne said in a conference call Monday that improved finances and a surprise first quarter profit mean that an IPO is coming soon, and upgraded products are coming sooner. That's good news for all the Mopar fans out there, even if most of the new product is of the subcompact variety.

The big news from the conference call is that the launch of several Fiat-based compact vehicles was moved up from 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2011. The vehicles would fill the gaping small car hole in Chrysler's current product portfolio. Marchionne says that the models have been through several clinics, and the design is 98 percent baked in.

According to Marchionne, Chrysler's soon-to-be-revamped lineup isn't relegated to a few new Pentastar'd Fiats. The Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring will re-launch with a major overhaul this year in the fourth quarter, with what Marchionne calls "significant surgery on the architecture of those cars and... significant improvements [to] the interiors." The most immediate help on the way arrives for Jeep customers, starting with the June launch of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, which Marchionne calls "the symbol of Jeep." The Jeep Wrangler (which we would argue is the true symbol of Jeep, but whatever) and Patriot are next with reportedly significant interior upgrades (and hopefully powertrain improvements, too) in the third quarter.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Marchionne: Chrysler's Fiat infusion may come earlier than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where have all the mavericks gone?

When he hands in his office keys a few days from now, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will begin an oft-delayed retirement that was originally set to begin shortly after the ill-fated "merger of equals" between Daimler and Chrysler.

His decision to rejoin the automotive workforce a few years later wasn't all that much of a surprise to those who knew the former Marine pilot and what quite literally could be called his driving ambition. That leads many to suspect we'll continue to hear from Lutz, even though he bluntly wonders, "Who would hire a senior executive who's nearly 80 years old?"

Finally, it seems, this old soldier really may fade away, taking on a book assignment and a board seat or two. And, in the process, Lutz's departure will bring with it a different sort of change in the auto industry, the departure of the last classic automotive maverick.

Pull out a pen and jot down the names of the best-known auto industry executives. Your list might include Billy Ford or Alan Mulally, Ed Whitacre or even Carlos Ghosn, if you're taking the global view. Despite their prominence, even their willingness to take risks, these aren't exactly the sort of mavericks and eccentrics the industry was long known for.

That goes for Sergio Marchionne, the head of both Fiat and Chrysler. True, he's not your typical gray-flannel executive - he buys his trademark black sweaters "by the dozen," he jokes - and is clearly playing a high-risk poker game in his effort to turn around a desperately ill American automaker. But in the end, if someone eventually writes the Harvard Business Review analysis of the Canadian-educated executive, he'll still turn out to be another by-the-books strategist.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adrian van HooydonkAdrianVanHooydonkalan mulallyAlanMulallyapplebill fordbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordJr.bob lutzBobLutzcarlos ghosnCarlosGhosnchris bangleChrisBanglecompany leadersCompanyLeadersdetroit bureauDetroitBureauDetroitBureau.comelon muskElonMuskfeaturedghosnHenrik Fiskers Artega GT CoupeHenrikFiskersArtegaGtCoupehooydonkLi ShufuLiShufulutzlutz retirementLutzRetirementmaverickrobert lutzRobertLutzSergio MarchionneSergioMarchionnesteve jobsSteveJobsWang ChuanfuWangChuanfuTue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19456093/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/27/the-detroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/19456093/article-detail.xml 19456093 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/paul-1-08opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/paul-1-08opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: 2013 Alfa Romeo Spider, 2012 Giulia to be based on RWD Chrysler platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/report-2013-alfa-romeo-spider-2012-giulia-to-be-based-on-rwd-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/report-2013-alfa-romeo-spider-2012-giulia-to-be-based-on-rwd-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/report-2013-alfa-romeo-spider-2012-giulia-to-be-based-on-rwd-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Alfa Romeo Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the comprehensive five-year plan which Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled today, the next generation of Alfa Romeos are slated to be based on a Chrysler platform.

Among those models will be the replacement for the current Spider, as well as the new Giulia sedan and wagon. These three models - which will replace the outgoing 159, Brera and Spider - were previously thought to borrow their underpinnings from a modified version of the C-segment platform that underpins the new Giulietta, but have now been revealed to be merged into Chrysler platforms, arriving in 2012 (Giulia) and 2013 (Spider). Although Marchionne didn't specify which Chrysler platform this will be, sources suggest it could be a modified version of the antiquated Mercedes-derived architecture that underpins the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger.

In addition to the Alfa's adoption of Chrysler architecture, Marchionne indicated that Chrysler and Lancia are set to be further integrated, with common products (including a new compact minivan and the replacement for the Ypsilon supermini) sold as Lancias in continental Europe and as Chryslers in North America and the UK. With the exception of the Challenger, Charger and Viper, Dodge and Fiat products will be similarly integrated, while Jeep is slated for an increased overseas market presence.


Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo Spider


[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: 2013 Alfa Romeo Spider, 2012 Giulia to be based on RWD Chrysler platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa giuliaalfa romeoalfa romeo giuliaalfa romeo spideralfa spiderAlfaGiuliaAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoGiuliaAlfaRomeoSpiderAlfaSpiderchryslerfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 21 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19448684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/21/report-2013-alfa-romeo-spider-2012-giulia-to-be-based-on-rwd-c/19448684/article-detail.xml 19448684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alfa-spiderwhite_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alfa-spiderwhite.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Luca di Montezemolo reportedly stepping down from Fiat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/breaking-luca-di-montezemolo-reportedly-stepping-down-from-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/breaking-luca-di-montezemolo-reportedly-stepping-down-from-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/breaking-luca-di-montezemolo-reportedly-stepping-down-from-fiat/#commentsFiled under: ,



Fiat has called a last-minute unscheduled press conference for 4 pm CET today, where it is understood that Fiat Group Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo will announce that he is leaving the company. At this time, no official reason has been given for Montezemolo's departure, but it's being reported that he may be mulling a move into politics, possibly to form a new Italian centrist party. Going speculation also has it that Montezemolo will be replaced by current group vice-chairman John Elkann.

Montezemolo's involvement with Fiat goes back to the early-1970s when he was a manager at the Ferrari Formula One team. After leaving the team he eventually returned to take over the CEO role at Ferrari and led the company through a period of major growth and expansion. Montezemolo will apparently remain on Fiat's board of directors.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will also hold a presentation tomorrow to discuss Fiat's strategy going forward including its U.S. plans and a possible spin-off of the car business from the rest of the group.

[Sources: Just-Auto, Financial Times | Image: Thomas Lohnes/AFP/Getty]

BREAKING: Luca di Montezemolo reportedly stepping down from Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewselkannfiatjohn elkannJohnElkannLuca Cordero de MontezemoloLuca Cordero di Montezemololuca di montezemololuca montezemoloLucaCorderoDeMontezemoloLucaCorderoDiMontezemoloLucaDiMontezemoloLucaMontezemolosergio marchionneSergioMarchionneTue, 20 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19446691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/breaking-luca-di-montezemolo-reportedly-stepping-down-from-fiat/19446691/article-detail.xml 19446691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/luca-with-ferrari-getty-630-red_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/luca-with-ferrari-getty-630-red.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Analyst claims Chrysler may not be able to survive in current form]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/report-analyst-claims-chrysler-may-not-be-able-to-survive-in-cu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/report-analyst-claims-chrysler-may-not-be-able-to-survive-in-cu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/report-analyst-claims-chrysler-may-not-be-able-to-survive-in-cu/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When General Motors and Chrysler entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2009, it was very clear that one company had a future product portfolio and one didn't. So while The General received the lion's share of government funding, Chrysler was basically given to Fiat with the hope that Team Pentastar could benefit from platform and product sharing. The early results of the Chrysler/Fiat team have been somewhat encouraging. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and his team have made significant progress cutting costs, and the management team created a five-year plan for Chrysler that includes new, Fiat-derived platforms and re-badged Lancias and Alfa Romeos.

Will these steps be enough for Chrysler to remain the full-line manufacturer it is today? A report in Automotive News shows that Bernstein Research analyst Max Warburton doesn't seem to think so. Warburton reportedly wrote in an assessment for Fiat investors that "we remain unconvinced Chrysler will survive in its current form despite Marchionne's blood, sweat and tears." Warburton cites four unnamed senior executives from Detroit.

The analyst's feelings come despite the fact that he feels Chrysler will come close to breaking even in the first quarter even with relatively poor sales. Warburton actually anticipates that Marchionne will announce Chrysler made a small profit in the month of March. So why the doom and gloom? Warburton cites Chrysler's still limited product development, light product portfolio and limited synergies between the two companies. The analyst also points to Marchionne's target for Chrysler to hit a 14 percent market share by 2014 as a reason for alarm. Chrysler hasn't been at 14 percent market share since 2000, and the Pentastar is currently just under 10 percent share.

In the report for Fiat investors, Warburton called a reasonable exit exit strategy from the situation "a slimming down of Chrysler to be just Ram, Jeep and a U.S. production base for Fiat." We're quite positive the folks in Auburn Hills, MI wouldn't like that plan. What do you think? Drop us a line or two in 'Comments.'

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty]

Report: Analyst claims Chrysler may not be able to survive in current form originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think Chrysler is having a banner 2010? A quick glance at the sales charts shows a company in dire need of new product, better quality and a Hail Mary on the showroom floor. But as bad as the situation is right now in Auburn Hills, MI, it appears the company could just about be done bleeding cash.

The Detroit News reports that Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne told a group of reporters that he was committed to breaking even, adding that the company won't lose money on an operations basis this year. Is Sergio being optimistic or is he basing his numbers on cold, hard facts? Who knows, but when asked if there was a chance Team Pentastar could pull of an actual 2010 profit, he reportedly answered "who knows?"

Marchionne also told reporters that Chrysler had $5 billion in cash at the end of 2009, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was on schedule to hit production on May 3, and that 50 percent of all Chrysler Group vehicles will be riding on Fiat platforms by 2014. The Fiat/Chrysler CEO also reiterated his stance that Chrysler would sell 1.1 million vehicles this year and that U.S. auto sales would crest 11 million units in 2010.

It's only fair that Marchionne gave us a state of The Pentastar update given the fact that today marks the one-year anniversary of when the Obama Administration gave Chrysler 30 days of working capital to work out an official tie-up with Fiat.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Marchionne: Chrysler will break even in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 jeep grand cherokee2011JeepGrandCherokeechryslerchrysler profitchrysler salesChryslerProfitChryslerSalesfiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslersergio marchionneSergioMarchionneTue, 30 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19420207/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/30/marchionne-chrysler-will-break-even-in-2010/19420207/article-detail.xml 19420207 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010-chrysler-sebring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010-chrysler-sebring.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Chrysler pushing 300 launch up to November]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/report-chrysler-pushing-300-launch-up-to-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/report-chrysler-pushing-300-launch-up-to-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/report-chrysler-pushing-300-launch-up-to-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It doesn't take a seasoned auto analyst to look at Chrysler's current product portfolio and see a rag-tag unit of long-in-the-tooth cars, trucks and crossovers. And other than the introduction of an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in the next few months and the next Dodge Durango arriving later in the year, Chrysler's product portfolio appears to be pretty bleak in the near term.

To bridge the gap between the upcoming Fiat-inspired Chrysler products, the folks in Auburn Hills are working with their overlords in Turin, Italy to whip up some serious overhauls to key products over the next 12-18 months. Among the vehicles scheduled for an extreme makeover is the Chrysler 300, which has been left to fend for itself almost completely unmolested by engineers or designers since its introduction in late 2004. A report by the Wall Street Journal claims that the overhaul of the Chrysler flagship sedan has been bumped up to November to help slap a tourniquet on Chrysler's traumatized sales numbers.

The next 300 will reportedly receive serious cosmetic upgrades to the front and rear fascia in addition to a far more luxurious and attractive interior. The rear-drive sedan will also receive Chrysler's new Pentastar V6, which promises 280 or more horsepower and fuel savings of up to 20 percent versus the current vehicle.

As much as we loved the 300 when it first hit the scene, the aging sedan has become a symbol of just how much Chrysler has to improve to again become relevant. Here's hoping November brings a vastly improved 300 (along with an equally impressive Dodge Charger) to give Team Pentastar a much-needed shot in the arm.


Gallery: Future Chrysler models spotted in video


[Source: Wall St. Journal - Sub. Req.]

Report: Chrysler pushing 300 launch up to November originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Chrysler Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery

New products seem to be a scarce commodity at Chrysler, but a recent raft of reports emanating from Auburn Hills and, perhaps more importantly Turin, Italy, shows that storm clouds are gathering near The Pentastar's new product desert.

Chrysler brass recently gave members of the Economic Club of Chicago luncheon a sneak peak at the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, along with information about the arrival of the Fiat 500 by the end of 2010. Now the Detroit Free Press reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is talking major refresh for the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler Sebring by the end of the year. And that's not all.

The Freep quotes Chrysler's multi-tasking CEO as saying that the Avenger/Sebring architecture has been torn apart and "You'll see a completely different animal. We're having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury is still out." The report goes on to say that it will be the Sebring that receives the name change, which makes sense considering the fact that Avenger sales have held up considerably (and relatively) better than the Sebring since both vehicles launched. Chrysler claims that the goal is to make changes where midsize customers will notice.

Stephanie Brinley at AutoPacific Group in Troy reportedly told the Free Press that Chrysler is somewhat limited in what it can accomplish with a refresh, but changes to ride and handling could be significant - and there's plenty of room for improvement. Another positive change could come under the hood of both vehicles, as Chrysler is working with Fiat on new engine technology, including the Italian automaker's Multiair tech, which may or may not find its way into the downtrodden sedans.

We have no idea if changing the name of the Sebring will wash away all the pain inflicted by a truly bad sedan, but we're thinking that at this point no changes could hurt more than the status quo. We're hoping the refresh is thorough enough to get us interested in The Pentastar's midsize offerings, but we're going to have to take a Missouri-style "show me" stance before believing it.

Gallery: 2010 Chrysler Sebring


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

That'll Fix It: Chrysler may drop Sebring name at next refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avenger refreshAvengerRefreshchryslerchrysler sebringChryslerSebringdodgedodge avengerDodgeAvengerfiatsebring refreshSebringRefreshsergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 17 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19361819/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/17/thatll-fix-it-chrysler-may-drop-sebring-name/19361819/article-detail.xml 19361819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-chrysler-sebring-large0003-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-chrysler-sebring-large0003-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/marchionne-alfa-romeo-back-in-the-u-s-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/marchionne-alfa-romeo-back-in-the-u-s-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/marchionne-alfa-romeo-back-in-the-u-s-by-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been 15 years since Alfa Romeo last sold vehicles in the U.S. market, but according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, we won't have to wait much longer for a chance to own a vehicle donning the Cross and Serpent. Automotive News is reporting that Marchionne insisted that Alfa will return Stateside in the next 24 months, adding: "I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."

To make the jump to the U.S. and Canada, Alfa will reportedly need to rely on its newest sibling Chrysler for the appropriate platforms. AN sources say that the most likely Alfas to make the trans-Atlantic journey are the successors to the 159 and 166, but those vehicles could be sitting on Chrysler platforms when they make their way to production. The 159 replacement would reportedly be built in the U.S. with a scheduled 2012 arrival and it could rest atop Chrysler's "compact wide" midsize architecture. The range may eventually also spawn both a sedan and wagon. AN indicates that the 166 successor could be matched up with The Pentastar's large rear drive platform that currently underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, with the vehicle being built at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. The 147 replacement that is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show will apparently not be coming to North America.

We're really hoping Alfas will in fact arrive on our shores within the next couple years, but we've certainly witnessed this song and dance before. There is no question that Fiat has to do something with Alfa, though, as global sales that have gone from 203,000 in 2000 to 102,000 in 2009 won't cut it for long.


Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 159


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa 159alfa 166alfa romeoalfa romeo to americaAlfa159Alfa166AlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoToAmericachryslerdodgefiatlx platformLxPlatformMarchionneSergio MarchionneSergioMarchionneTue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19359842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/16/marchionne-alfa-romeo-back-in-the-u-s-by-2012/19359842/article-detail.xml 19359842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/09-alfa-159-leak_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/09-alfa-159-leak.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Marchionne says Chrysler and Lancia could be merged within a year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-marchionne-says-chrysler-and-lancia-could-be-merged-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-marchionne-says-chrysler-and-lancia-could-be-merged-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-marchionne-says-chrysler-and-lancia-could-be-merged-with/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The rebadging of things to come? - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the nameless Chrysler Lancia (pictured above) from last week's Detroit Show? According to a report from Autocar, there's a good chance that the vehicle (a reskinned Delta) is more than just an exercise in filling up space in Cobo Hall. Fiat's boss Sergio Marchionne is saying that Chrysler could be fully merged with Fiat by the end of the year.

Why would Mr. Marchionne merge two such seemingly distinct and storied brands into one? Because they fill holes in each others' lineups. "In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full line-up," said the boss.

As for last week's Pentastar badged Lancia Delta, it could happen... maybe. "The rebadged Delta could quite possibly make a Chrysler vehicle," explained Marchionne, who went on to explain that a Chrysler'd Delta would not conflict with Lancia. Why? Fiat won't be selling any Lanica-badged Lancias in the United States. If that's the case, the merger would be similar to how Renault-Nissan does business, and hopefully not as... how to put this... plain rotten as DaimlerChrysler turned out.


Gallery: Chrysler Delta


[Source: Autocar]

Report: Marchionne says Chrysler and Lancia could be merged within a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerChrysler LanciaChryslerLanciaFiatLanciaLancia ChryslerLancia DeltaLancia-ChryslerLanciaChryslerLanciaDeltaMarchionneSergio MarchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 20 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19324115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/20/report-marchionne-says-chrysler-and-lancia-could-be-merged-with/19324115/article-detail.xml 19324115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/630clancia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/630clancia.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Alfa Romeo's U.S. launch delayed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-alfa-romeos-u-s-launch-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-alfa-romeos-u-s-launch-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-alfa-romeos-u-s-launch-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We were getting amped up for Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. and the chance to drive Breras and Guilietta's on our favorite roads, and then Fiat head Sergio Marchionne delivers what they call a "smackdown" at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Autocar, Marchionne says that Fiat has to show it can sell enough cars in America to make the enterprise worthwhile on its own, which we take to mean he's not content with Alfa being a critically loved but money-losing division of a profitable conglomerate. If Alfa can't prove the worth of flying to America, then it will stay grounded in Europe. We have but one word to say to this news: maledizione!

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Alfa Romeo's U.S. launch delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 13 Jan 2010 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19313654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/13/report-alfa-romeos-u-s-launch-delayed/19313654/article-detail.xml 19313654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/alfausdelay3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/alfausdelay3.jpg <![CDATA[Lancia's near future to be built on Chrysler platforms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/lancias-near-future-to-be-built-on-chrysler-platforms/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/lancias-near-future-to-be-built-on-chrysler-platforms/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/lancias-near-future-to-be-built-on-chrysler-platforms/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Another morsel to come out of Fiat's 2-year plan is the short term product plan for Lancia, a brand that the parent company has been accused of neglecting for quite a while. In addition to the usual refreshes and facelifts, the truly juicy bit is that Fiat plans 17 new vehicles over the next two years, and Chrysler platforms will provide the basis for four Lancias.

Next month's Detroit Auto Show is expected to host the first "new" Chrysler product: a rebadged Lancia Delta. An SUV is expected to follow sometime next year, then a midsize sedan and convertible, a luxury sedan, and a minivan in 2011. The real meat that we're still missing is how these vehicles will really be created. How much of the initiative will be badge engineering, and how much will be genuine, clean-sheet engineering.

Fiat wants Chrysler's global sales to more than double by 2014, to 2.8 million. If that number is accurate, that would mean Sergio Marchionne expects Chrysler to account for more than half of his targeted five million global sales for the entire Fiat Group by 2014 -- and that group just grew thanks to Fiat's swallowing up Zastava. Marchionne is said to be thinking about a successor because he "can't work 24/7 forever." With plans like these, we can't imagine he'll be sleeping or stepping aside any time soon.

[Source: Carscoop via GM Inside News]

Lancia's near future to be built on Chrysler platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfiatlanciasergio marchionneSergioMarchionneSat, 26 Dec 2009 16:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19293956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/26/lancias-near-future-to-be-built-on-chrysler-platforms/19293956/article-detail.xml 19293956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lancia_chrysler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lancia_chrysler.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/#commentsFiled under: ,



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

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

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

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

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

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