Marchionne: New No. 1 Manufacturer Could Arise From Mergers
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne — who will be retiring from the company after the next five-year plan runs its course after 2018 — believes mergers between automakers will one day result in a new No. 1 automaker.
According to Bloomberg, the driving factor in creating an automaker above Toyota on the global manufacturer podium will come down to money and competition, as automakers will likely need more of the former to develop and produce new vehicles while also fending off all comers, merging with potential partners as needed.
As far as FCA is concerned, chair John Elkann says the company would be ready to consolidate resources with another within the next five to 10 years “if it makes sense” to do so. The company would look outside of Europe for a partner if and when the time comes.
For now, FCA plans to take sixth place by expanding sales on the strength of new models, such as the upcoming Jeep Renegade and the reintroduction of Alfa Romeo to the United States market. The automaker aims to deliver 7 million units in 2018, compared with 4.4 million in 2013.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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"the driving factor in creating an automaker above Toyota....." Huh?
I do think with the current economic climate FCA will continue to look at the US for cash and not the EU. Any company Sergio would be interested would either have the ability for technology transfer or a brand acceptable in NA, or even both.
VOLKSWAGEN.....READ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
This 'uniformisation, unification'(..via mergers , ..platform-motors sharing..) , one 'global-product taste' will leed us soon to .. "One World Automaker" ..:) (under 1-world-gov control..). Companies are loosing their identity and herritage - they share platforms , engines .. they try to fill every segment(instead of focusing what they can do best...) .. etc.. When the next big economic crash will come you will say see a lot of 'violent takeovers' (via financial tricks), .. and you can say good buy to the car-brads you know... ... Just look at Toyobaru twins (what's the point of producing the same car , and not even differentiate design for every brand..)