Last week Sergio Marchionne coyly stated that he was “open” to a partnership with tech giants Apple or Google. As it turns out, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has already met with several rock star CEOs Silicon Valley, including Tesla.
Marchionne has made no secret about looking for a partner to merge with in an effort to consolidate the auto industry. His first and second choices, Ford and GM, have politely declined the courtship.
It’s not clear whether the meetings took place before or after Marchionne’s previous statements, but upon returning from California he expressed some of his opinions to the Automotive News. Regarding Tesla CEO and founder Elon Musk: “I’m incredibly impressed with what that kid has done.”
When asked about a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Marchionne said he was “interested in Apple’s intervention in the car, that’s his role,” but would not elaborate. It should be noted FCA and Apple already have a relationship, albeit indirectly. Fiat cars use audio systems branded by Beats Electronics, a company that was purchased by Apple in May 2014 for $3.2 billion.
Marchionne reportedly also took a ride in Google’s self-driving car but did not comment on it. Apple, for its part, is also working on an autonomous vehicle.
In the same interview, Marchionne reaffirmed his goal to develop luxury-branded SUVs under the Chrysler nameplate: “When I see a Range Rover on the street, my blood boils, because we should be able to do a thing like that, and we will.”
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