Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Isn’t it interesting how some commercial tag lines stick with you? Here is one from the late ‘70’s, “When EF Hutton talks, people listen.” The EF Hutton Company was conglomerated (for lack of a better word) in the late ‘80s. Recently (’12), Hutton’s grandson revived the name. Enough of the side show. To the point please. How about this?
When Keith Crain* talks, people listen. So what has Mr. Crain had to say that impacts the Ram Turbo Diesel world? How about these comments from his Automotive News weekly commentary that was published on April 3, 2017? The title, “Sergio’s Nonstop Hard Sell.”
The full-text article is available at http://www.autonews.com/article/20170403/OEM02/304039966/sergios-nonstop-hard-sell
His commentary should come as no surprise to you. We’ve been following the Saga of Sergio for quite some time. I remained concerned for the Ram faithful.
Robert Patton
Editor
When Keith Crain* talks, people listen. So what has Mr. Crain had to say that impacts the Ram Turbo Diesel world? How about these comments from his Automotive News weekly commentary that was published on April 3, 2017? The title, “Sergio’s Nonstop Hard Sell.”
“In all my experience, I have never seen such a blatant attempt to sell an asset. Sergio Marchionne is doing everything possible to get someone, anyone, interested in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
“With apologies to everyone at Chrysler, I’ve had the feeling recently that FCA does not exist for building cars, but rather for buying and selling.”
“The tie-up of Chrysler and Fiat never made sense to me, and now FCA is trying to find someone to take the whole things off its hands. I almost expect to see a sign posted outside the Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters that reads, ‘For Sale, OBO.’
“Marchionne has run hot and cold about getting together with VW, but ironically, this is the company that probably makes the most sense as a partner or buyer. VW would love to have Jeep and Ram brands in the U.S. – the likes of which it doesn’t have and is unlikely to be able to develop.
“If VW merges with or acquires FCA, Chrysler’s cars would simply go away. Meanwhile, it’s been proved that Fiat doesn’t belong in America. The big hurdle is that VW is so bogged down in its emissions scandal that it doesn’t have time to talk to anyone about any sort of deal. Management seems far more interested in staying out of jail in any number of countries.”
“And for VW, there are no other car companies in the world on a silver platter asking to be bought.
“Make no mistake, Marchionne is one of the brightest of all car company CEOs. If he thinks it’s time to sell FCA, it would not be smart to argue with him.”
“With apologies to everyone at Chrysler, I’ve had the feeling recently that FCA does not exist for building cars, but rather for buying and selling.”
“The tie-up of Chrysler and Fiat never made sense to me, and now FCA is trying to find someone to take the whole things off its hands. I almost expect to see a sign posted outside the Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters that reads, ‘For Sale, OBO.’
“Marchionne has run hot and cold about getting together with VW, but ironically, this is the company that probably makes the most sense as a partner or buyer. VW would love to have Jeep and Ram brands in the U.S. – the likes of which it doesn’t have and is unlikely to be able to develop.
“If VW merges with or acquires FCA, Chrysler’s cars would simply go away. Meanwhile, it’s been proved that Fiat doesn’t belong in America. The big hurdle is that VW is so bogged down in its emissions scandal that it doesn’t have time to talk to anyone about any sort of deal. Management seems far more interested in staying out of jail in any number of countries.”
“And for VW, there are no other car companies in the world on a silver platter asking to be bought.
“Make no mistake, Marchionne is one of the brightest of all car company CEOs. If he thinks it’s time to sell FCA, it would not be smart to argue with him.”
* Keith Crain: CEO and Editor-In Chief for Crain Communications which includes Automotive News, AutoWeek and a list of other automotive business-related publications.
The full-text article is available at http://www.autonews.com/article/20170403/OEM02/304039966/sergios-nonstop-hard-sell
His commentary should come as no surprise to you. We’ve been following the Saga of Sergio for quite some time. I remained concerned for the Ram faithful.
Robert Patton
Editor
