Not surprisingly, when – and if – Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will be named chief of the “new” Chrysler, as well. Marchionne, who currently leads all of the Fiat Group’s operations, including its various car lines, orchestrated the Italian automaker’s no-cash acquisition of 20 percent of Chrysler.
Marchionne, an Italian-Canadian dual citizen, will take over for current Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, who has said that he will depart the position when the bankruptcy has been completed.
Born in Italy, Marchionne’s education was completed in Ontario, where he worked his way up the chain at several companies before moving back to Europe in the mid-1990s. He became a member of the board at Fiat before becoming the company’s chief in 2004. Marchionne is credited with essentially reinventing Fiat and orchestrating the Italian automaker’s massive turnaround.
05/07, 9:32 AM
posted by:
Borat
Good plan, if Chrysler will emerge from bankruptcy and will merge with FIAT. Marchionne knows what he is doing, we don’t have leaders of that caliber at the present time.
05/07, 9:36 AM
posted by:
A4
Apparently he doesnt know what he is doing as far as quality goes, so lets hope that isnt carried over.
05/07, 10:05 AM
posted by:
Borat
He knows how to make company to sell technology and vehicles. he also turned around a brand that was foot and a half in its grave short few years ago. And that is where domestics are today. As far as quality FIATs are no better or worse then VW out of Mexico.
05/07, 10:29 AM
posted by:
terk184
Marchionne is doing what any smart investor with cash or leverage is doing now. Buying assets at the lowest prices seen in the last 2 generations and positioning himself to cash in on the inevitable recovery.
05/07, 10:59 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
Does this mean he moves to Auburn Hills or does Chrysler HQ move to Italy?
He may want to move to the Detroit area, becasue for the price of a 4 bedroom house in Italy, he can buy approx. a 20 bedroom estate on 50 acres of land.
05/07, 11:01 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
Oh, I forgot to add the question – will he be at Chrysler full time then? If he thinks he’s going to be the CEO he better damn well be, because he won’t have time for anything else but Chrysler.
05/07, 11:03 AM
posted by:
zfenderguy
Well, dude did what he did with the European equivalent of Chrysler. I’m imagining the possibilities of a leaner Chrysler with the kind of design department is has shown it has in recent years (300, Challenger). Just no more Sebring and Caliber, uh, caliber cars, and they may see the other side yet again.
05/07, 11:15 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Jake, it doesn’t matter where he calls home. It’s a small world and I have a sneaking suspicion that Chrysler just may still have a few corporate jets hidden in the weeds somewhere.
05/07, 11:23 AM
posted by:
Borat
His problems are much broader then place to drop head for the night. I am not sure he will see home, wherever it shall be.
05/07, 11:33 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
So did he have to fund a VEBA like Chrysler? Did the laws in Italy favor his business more than our laws here? The Unions in Italy vs UAW here. Who pays for healthcare in Italy? What kind of incentives from the government in Italy favor Italian carmakers over foreign brands? I believe he is going to need some help. At least he wants the job. Uphill battles are always the most exciting ones…anyone can run a company that has no huge hurdles to jump over, this guy seems to be taking on massive hills with the purchases of GM brands and Chrysler…..I applaud his efforts. Someone needs to save these companies.
05/07, 1:30 PM
posted by:
Borat
jdasch1, laws in Italy are different then in US, but EU structure forbids favoring ones product over other. Their Union laws mimic our own constitution on trade between member states. Healthcare is partially financed by state, but there is plenty of private medical care, if you have means. Unions in Italy are extremely strong, but with competition from other European countries, auto unions seem to get some reasoning in their actions. He dealt with same problems, our “captains of industry” wrecked the ship on. Have to agree a little with union talking heads: labor is only 10% of car cost. Therefore it can not be responsible for more then 10% of the problem. When you solving problem, you want to solve 90% first and worry about remaining later.
05/07, 2:00 PM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
I read in one magazine that this guy is not too fond of America, as most Europeans are not very fond of us. So don’t be surprised if he completely moves Chrysler headquarters to Europe, but more logically he may move headquarters to Canada. It would be easier and less complicated for him since he’s also a Canadian citizen. But that wouldn’t be so bad, all of Chryslers best products are already being built in Canada, the minivan, charger, challenger, 300c, magnum (do they still make that giant station wagon??)
05/07, 2:08 PM
posted by:
F50
The Magnum stopped production.
He better be a good CEO, hopefully designers like Gillies become part of the new Chrysler aswell, all what I care about for now is that they keep the Viper, Wrangler and Ram.
05/07, 8:12 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
Borat and A4, when was the last time you drove and owned a new Fiat??? Just curious…??
And American Cars Crap……what CRAP do you write or read about…..are you trying to start italian american hate war……he does NOT HATE AMERICANS AT All you putz…what a load of crap that is….you should watch the news every now and then…..the amount of times he has come to the usa and not for business you would be surprised…..boy o boy….
god all mighty…..
05/07, 9:08 PM
posted by:
Barry Obama
Marchionne headed the Fiat 500 plan with one of the sons. Fiat 500 is excellent quality wise.
I should know a I chose it over mazda3, Polo and Corolla.
You cant get a car for $26aus with Bluetooth, Hill Assist and 6 speed man from the japs and germans.