After successfully leading the Fiat-Chrysler merger, the outspoken executive wants to spearhead another big industry consolidation. GM has been the top choice, however none of the automakers on his list have so far shown interest in the idea.
“GM hasn’t been put to rest. There is no pressure on time,” FCA chairman John Elkann told The Wall Street Journal in a recent interview. “In 2012 we had a conversation [with GM]. In 2015 we had a conversation. We might have a conversation in 2017 or 2018.”
Elkann, a descendant of Fiat’s founder, has agreed with Marchionne’s assessment that GM is “by far the best” option for a merger.
FCA appears to be embracing patience and persistent in its courting attempts, however analysts have pointed to comparatively high debt, market risk in Europe and slim profit margins as factors that could be off-putting for a potential suitor.
The company last year outlined an ambitious five-year plan promising a slew of new models by 2018. The bold plan highlighted FCA’s optimistic vision for significant growth across all of its brands, however some of the development projects have already been delayed.
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