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#Fiat valuta convertibile da oltre 2 mld di dollari

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FIAT sta valutando un bond convertibile da oltre 2 miliardi di dollari (1,5 miliardi di euro) per ridurre l’indebitamento a seguito della fusione con Chrysler. E’ quanto riporta Bloomberg citando fonti vicine al dossier secondo cui il Lingotto starebbe parlando con le banche l’emissione di un bond da convertire in azioni Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Fca), la società sorta dal matrimonio tra i due gruppi.

I colloqui sono a uno stadio preliminare e Fiat punta a prendere una decisione su come procedere entro la prima metà dell’anno, hanno sottolineato le stesse fonti, secondo cui il costruttore di auto starebbe anche guardando ad altre opzioni. Fiat non ha voluto commentare queste indiscrezioni, peraltro non nuove.

Sergio Marchionne, ad di Fca, ha detto di recente che il gruppo sta valutando un rafforzamento patrimoniale senza ricorrere a un aumento di capitale e tra le varie alternative figurano un bond convertibile e la vendita di asset. Secondo un report di Mediobanca Securities, un prestito convertendo è considerata l’opzione più probabile, anche se esistono altre alternative, inclusa la vendita totale o parziale della Ferrari a Exor o la quotazione in Borsa di Maserati.

Nel frattempo il titolo Fiat a Piazza Affari cede l’1,55% a 7,62 euro, in linea con il settore auto Ue (-1% allo Stoxx). Oggi Moody’s ha confermato l’outlook stabile sul settore auto ritenendo che le prospettive del comparto a livello globale rimarranno stabili nonostante la riduzione della domanda in alcuni mercati emergenti prevista per quest’anno. Gli esperti di Moody’s ritengono anche che la tenuta del mercato cinese e la ripresa, seppur lenta, dell’Europa occidentale contribuiranno a compensare l’impatto del minor contributo dato dai mercati emergenti.

Invece persisterà una situazione difficile in Brasile e in Russia, dove i tassi di crescita sono in calo e le valute stanno subendo drastici deprezzamenti rispetto al dollaro, allo yen e all’euro, e con tutta probabilità porteranno a un calo delle vendite di auto quest’anno. Un eventuale calo delle vendite in queste regioni, ha concluso Moody’s, penalizzerà in particolare Fiat (B1 stabile) e Renault (Ba1 stabile) a causa della percentuale di vendite che generano in queste regioni.



#Chrysler Group LLC Puts the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show in Motion

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Debuts an Indoor Ram Truck Test Track, Camp Jeep Cleveland, New Vehicles Introductions and More

Ram Truck brand indoor Test Track makes its debut in Cleveland
Perennial favorite Camp Jeep returns with the new articulation obstacle “Trail Rated Pass”
All-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan makes Cleveland debut
2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad makes Cleveland debut
Ram Truck brand display features award-winning 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy, 2014 Ram ProMaster and 2014 Ram 2500 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
The SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand shows off its flagship performance machine – the 640 horsepower 2014 SRT Viper GTS
With comfortable seating for five and the interior space of a large car, the 2014 Fiat 500L featured in the new “Mirage” global advertising campaign (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBtVOmhnw-k) will be on display
The ‘Chrysler Drive’ outdoor test track features all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee, plus other popular vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT
Show attendees can enter the 2014 Chrysler Group National Giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 towards any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle
February 27, 2014 , Cleveland, Ohio – Chrysler Group LLC is putting the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show in motion with three ride and drive courses – the all-new Ram Truck brand Test Track and Camp Jeep Cleveland indoors and the Chrysler Drive outdoors – as well as exciting new vehicles to experience from the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, SRT and Fiat brands.

The Cleveland Auto Show marks the regional debut of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200, the 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad and the 2014 SRT Viper GTS all of which will be on display. The show will also feature the first-ever Ram Truck brand indoor Test Track in addition to the perennial favorite, Camp Jeep® Cleveland, which returns with 25,000 square feet of off-road obstacles inside the I-X center. Just outside the show, consumers can experience the ‘Chrysler Drive’ ride and drive featuring vehicles from the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and FIAT brands, including the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee. Visitors to any of the three interactive Chrysler Group experiences can enter the 2014 National Giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 toward the purchase of any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle.

“Outside of Detroit, Cleveland is the second largest market for the Great Lakes Business Center. With a market that big, you need a big auto show presence,” Michael Dragojevic, Director – Great Lakes Business Center, Chrysler Group LLC said. “At the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show we have more than 90,000 square-feet of space, including indoor and outdoor test tracks and new vehicle displays. We are showcasing great cars and trucks, as well as interactive driving courses where consumers can experience the capabilities and features of our award-winning Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and FIAT vehicles.”

All-new 2015 Chrysler 200
Exquisite style meets exceptional performance in the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 leapfrogs expectations for a mid-size car with an elegant exterior design, a thoughtful, beautifully crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-new chassis. With estimated highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon; the most available safety and security features in the segment with 60; an available, best-in-class all-wheel drive system; easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology and a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $21,700, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a car that customers will be proud to own, at a price they will appreciate. The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built with pride in Michigan.

2014 Ram Trucks and Indoor Test Track
Auto-show goers will get the chance to see Ram trucks in action with the first-ever indoor Ram Truck Test Track. Within the 25,000 square-foot display, participants will get to ride in the award-winning 2014 Ram 1500 and experience its capabilities as they are put to the test, all while getting a bird’s-eye view of the auto show from the top of the iconic Ram Mountain. Among the vehicles on display will be the 28 mpg 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, named Motor Trend “Truck of the Year.” For those that need even bigger trucks, the 2014 Ram 2500 with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 will be on the show floor along with the Ram ProMaster, the latest entry into the full-size cargo van segment from the Ram Truck brand.

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad, the Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker Model and More
Fresh from its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge will introduce the new 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad to Cleveland. The three-row, seven-passenger crossover features a more rugged and capable look with distinctive new front and rear fascias, Platinum Chrome side sills and unique 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels. The interior is loaded with premium finishes and features, including the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power driver’s seat, fold-flat front passenger seat with hidden storage bin, Liquid Graphite interior appliques and new leather seat design with sport mesh inserts. And for rough weather like the winter of 2013/2014, the 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad also features and available on-demand all-wheel-drive system. The 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $24,995, excluding $995 destination. Dodge also will showcase the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop and the popular throw-back 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker model.

Camp Jeep® Cleveland
The perennial show favorite, Camp Jeep, is back. Show attendees can experience the ultimate indoor off-road driving test, with the ‘Trail Rated Pass,’ an all new track element showcasing the vehicle’s articulation and wheel travel. The 25,000-square foot exhibit replicates extreme off-road conditions to showcase the robust Trail Rated capabilities of the Jeep family of vehicles, including the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Autobytel.com’s “SUV of the Year” without leaving the showroom floor. Cleveland consumers will have a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation and suspension.

The Chrysler Drive
Auto show attendees can get behind the wheel of a wide array of vehicles from the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands and go for a test-drive just outside the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show venue. This hands-on activity lets consumers experience the highly capable trucks, SUVs and cars available for 2014 from Chrysler Group. Showgoers can get up close and personal with the latest vehicle designs, award-winning technology and clever features including the acclaimed Uconnect multimedia systems, the exclusive Stow ’n Go seating and storage system, thoughtful storage features like in-seat storage in the front passenger seat of select vehicles, safety and security features including the ParkSense rear park assist system, powertrains featuring the iconic HEMI engine and much more. Nearby, kids can drive in kid-sized Ram truck and Jeep brand vehicles, take the ‘0-60 Challenge’ and climb a rock wall to the tunes of a DJ.

About the Cleveland Auto Show
The Cleveland Auto Show, presented by AutoTrader.com and Medical Mutual, marks the start of the spring selling season in Northeast Ohio. Featuring concept, pre-production and production vehicles from the world’s auto manufacturers, the show is held annually at the I-X Center with nearly 1.2 million square feet of exhibits. The Show also features an array of entertainment including sports celebrity appearances from the Browns, Cavs and OSU. The Cleveland Auto Show is a consumer show and a favorite family tradition since 1903. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheClevelandAutoShow.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:
Company Blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company Web Site: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
Media Web Site: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chryslercorp/
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo


Fiat 500L Named the ‘Featured Vehicle’ and Camp Jeep® Returns to the 2014 Twin Cities Auto Show

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Chrysler Group LLC will celebrate the Fiat 500L as the “Featured Vehicle of the Twin Cities Auto Show” and mark the debut of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 to Minnesota. Showcasing the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee, Camp Jeep returns with 25,000 square feet of off-road obstacles inside the Minneapolis Convention Center. Visitors to any of the interactive Chrysler Group experiences can enter the 2014 National Giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 toward the purchase of any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle.

“The Twin Cities are a growing and important market for the Chrysler Group,” said Jeff Hines, Director – Denver Business Center, Chrysler Group LLC. “Aided by the serious winter and the brand’s legendary off-road capabilities, Jeep brand sales locally are up 77 percent and the Ram brand is up 24 percent already in 2014. At the 2014 Twin Cities Auto Show, we hope to showcase the exciting new vehicles coming to the family – the 2015 Chrysler 200, the Jeep Cherokee and the ‘Featured Vehicle’ of the auto show, the Fiat 500L. The show also will give consumers the chance to see the capabilities behind the Trail Rated badge at Camp Jeep.”

All-new 2015 Chrysler 200
Exquisite style meets exceptional performance in the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 leapfrogs expectations for a mid-size car with an elegant exterior design, a thoughtful, beautifully crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-new chassis. With estimated highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon; the most available safety and security features in the segment with 60; an available, best-in-class all-wheel drive system; easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology and a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $21,700, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a car that customers will be proud to own, at a price they will appreciate. The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built with pride in Michigan.

2014 Fiat 500L
The FIAT brand display will include the 2014 Fiat 500L, the focus of the new global advertising campaign “Mirage” that introduces new Fiat 500L tagline, “Unbelievably Big.” Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for more than 55 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine and two fuel-saving, six-speed transmission offerings, all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.

2014 Ram Trucks
Among the many Ram Trucks on display will be the 28 mpg 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, named MotorTrend “Truck of the Year.” For those that need even more power, the 2014 Ram 2500 with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 will be on the show floor along with the Ram ProMaster, the latest entry into the full-size cargo van segment from the Ram Truck brand.

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker
Injecting a fresh shot of heritage into the Challenger lineup, the new 2014 R/T Shaker model features unique throwback muscle-car cues that link directly to Dodge brand’s performance legacy. Like the original 1970 Challenger R/T with the Shaker hood, the new 2014 model continues the Dodge tradition of an engine-mounted hood scoop that “shakes” with the powertrain’s movement. Dodge also will showcase the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop and continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the brand.

Camp Jeep
The perennial show favorite, Camp Jeep, is back. Show attendees can experience the ultimate indoor off-road driving test, with the “Trail Rated Pass,” an all-new track element showcasing the vehicle’s articulation and wheel travel. The 25,000-square-foot exhibit replicates extreme off-road conditions to showcase the robust Trail Rated capabilities of the Jeep family of vehicles, including the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Autobytel.com’s “SUV of the Year” without leaving the showroom floor. Twin Cities’ consumers will have a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation and suspension.

About Twin Cities Auto Show
The 2014 Twin Cities Auto Show is sponsored by the Greater Metropolitan Automobile Dealers Association of Minnesota Inc. (GMADA). GMADA is an organization of 125 new car and truck franchised dealers in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area. The 2014 GMADA president is Michael Gallagher of Luther Automotive Group and GMADA executive vice president is Scott Lambert. The 2014 Auto Show Featured Vehicle is the 2014 Fiat 500L. The Hilton Minneapolis is the official host hotel. For more information about the Twin Cities Auto Show, visit http://www.twincitiesautoshow.com.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:
Company Blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company Web Site: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
Media Web Site: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chryslercorp/
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo


#Fiat Group, Early Adopter of the GRI-G4 Reporting Standard, Announces Release of 2013 Sustainability Report

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Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler Group LLC today announced the release of the 2013 Sustainability Report, which details the organization’s sustainability initiatives, achievements and targets. This Report marks the third year of combined reporting for Fiat and Chrysler Group on economic, environmental and social aspects, and the first time since Fiat S.p.A. acquired full ownership of Chrysler Group LLC, completing the global strategic alliance process initiated in 2009.

“We have created an organization that is unique and rich with potential at the technical, professional and human level, driven by the spirit and values of an organization intent on distinguishing itself not only in terms of the excellence of its products, but also for the commitment, integrity and transparency with which it conducts its activities,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “The coming together of Fiat and Chrysler has enabled us to intensify our sustainability-related activities by sharing best practices and leveraging our respective strengths. Our strategy for sustainable mobility is focused on achieving a balance between conventional and alternative technologies that will deliver the greatest benefits for the environment now, while also ensuring that we continue to offer customers affordable products.”

In 2013, the Group continued identification of the most relevant social, economic and environmental areas to be addressed and updated its long-term global targets.

Highlights of the Group’s sustainability achievements for 2013 include:
Ongoing progress toward reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy of Group vehicles:
In Europe, 71% of the Group’s Mass-Market and Premium Brand cars have CO2 emissions of 120 g/km or less
In the US, corporate average fuel economy reached 32.1 miles per gallon (mpg) for passenger cars and 24.5 mpg for light trucks
Continued leadership in the natural gas vehicle segment in Europe, with a product portfolio of 12 passenger car and LCV models, in addition to the CNG-powered Ram 2500 Heavy Duty pickup in North America
Continued commitment to addressing mobility needs in areas such as traffic management, alternative mobility solutions and customer engagement in the driving experience
World Class Manufacturing Gold Level achieved by three additional Group plants
Focus on workforce diversity and knowledge development as key drivers of innovation
Continued contribution to the development of self-sustaining local communities in areas where the Group operates, as well as supporting educational opportunities for young people focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Confirmation of Fiat S.p.A. for the fifth consecutive year in the Dow Jones Sustainability (DJSI) World and Europe Indices, and top ranking in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) Italy 100 and the Carbon Performance Leadership Index (CPLI) Italy 100
Fiat Group is the first automaker to report publicly its sustainability efforts in accordance with the latest release of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard – the G4 Comprehensive option. The GRI framework is the international standard used by companies for reporting on sustainability. The Report was subject to an assurance audit by SGS Italia S.p.A., an independent certification body, in compliance with the Sustainability Reporting Assurance procedure (SRA), the GRI-G4 guidelines, and the AA1000 APS (2008) standard.

The interactive Report (English) is available at http://2013interactivesustainabilityreport.fiatspa.com and http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/sustainability. The Italian version will be available soon.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:
Company Blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company Web Site: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
Media Web Site: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chryslercorp/
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo


#Fiat Group Automobiles, #Chrysler Group International and GAC Group Announce Agreement to Produce Jeep Vehicles in China for Chinese Market

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Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A., Chrysler Group International LLC and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) today announced they have reached an agreement to expand the joint venture partnership.

According to the agreement, the joint venture, GAC Fiat, will begin localized production of three new Jeep vehicles for the Chinese market, expanding the portfolio of Jeep sport-utility vehicles (SUV) currently available to Chinese consumers as imports. The expansion of the cooperation and the related projects have already been approved by the relevant government authorities. The joint venture will finalize its localized production plans in the near term which includes the consideration of a Jeep model uniquely designed for China. Production is expected to begin by late 2015.

“Today’s announcement represents the next chapter in the proper utilization and expansion on a global scale of the Jeep brand,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “Equally important is our continued development in the Chinese market with an established and respected partner such as Guangzhou Automobile Group.”

GAC Group Chairman Zhang Fangyou said: “The world-noted SUV brand Jeep being introduced into GAC Fiat will bring the cooperation between GAC and Fiat-Chrysler to a new phase. It will enhance the sustainable development of the JV, and will surely bring premium experiences of driving and services to the Chinese customers.”

To reach the necessary capacity for introducing the Jeep models, GAC Fiat is establishing a manufacturing branch in Guangzhou, where the Jeep vehicles will be produced.

In the coming term, the two parties will strengthen cooperation as to satisfy the demands of customers and to move the localization of Jeep models forward together with the continued development of GAC Fiat.

In 2013, Jeep realized global sales of more than 731,000 units, with an annual growth rate of 4 percent and an annual growth rate of 29 percent in China. Last month, the Jeep brand set a worldwide record with nearly 85,000 units sold. This was the highest sales month ever for the Jeep brand in its rich 73 year history. China continues to be the largest Jeep market outside of the U.S., with nearly 60,000 Jeep vehicles sold in 2013.


Local business community to host Italian firms – The Blade OHIO

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Toledo, known for auto manufacturing and glass production, may be on its way to earning a reputation as an international city. Next month the city will play host to a two-day gathering of 20 businesses and officials from Italy seeking business and investment opportunities in northwest Ohio.

The 2014 Italian Business Forum will be held May 12-14 at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. If it reminds people of the September, 2012, economic forum when officials from China came to the area seeking business and investment opportunities, that’s not a coincidence.

Many of those involved in the earlier event are involved in the Italian forum. A key organizer of both events is 5 Lakes Global Group Ltd., the consulting group owned by Simon Guo, a deal broker and Toledo resident.

Mr. Guo took the lead on the earlier forum, but Toledoan Scott Prephan, president of 5 Lakes Global, is a central figure in next month’s event.

However, Mr. Prephan is only half of the team organizing the event. The other half is Italian business consultant Gionata Lazzaretti, and his wife, attorney Linda Pignatti. They are spearheading the effort in Italy to bring businesses to Toledo to explore opportunities.

Mr. Lazzaretti owns a building consulting firm, Still Italy, in Correggio, Italy, and is a co-sponsor of the event.

“It was all about the relationship,” Mr. Prephan said. “[Mr. Lazzaretti] reacted well to the message put forth by Toledo, and I got introduced to Gionata when he came here to visit a little over a year ago.”

Still Italy lined up the 20 firms — a collection of manufacturers, biomedical technology companies, and food and wine producers — who were looking to either set up operations in the United States or add to their U.S. operations.

“The business climate in Italy is very challenging. … These companies think they can do better over here,” Mr. Prephan said.

“With the Chinese who came here, the motivation was very different. They were looking to invest,” Mr. Prephan said. “The Italians, their reasons for coming are very different. They like the business environment in the U.S. There’s less of a tax burden, and they’re looking for new market.”

Mr. Prephan said he has been told the Italian companies are impressed by the Toledo area’s location, which puts it within a 10-hour drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population, and its access to distribution facilities via rail, water, air, and highways. He also mentioned the area’s lower cost of doing business.

“We have a tremendous advantage in logistics and the speed of getting their products to market,” Mr. Prephan said.

Mr. Lazzaretti, in an interview with the Italian newspaper il Resto del Carlino, said Toledo impressed him.

“Why Toledo? Because it’s considered the city of the future, is one of the major production centers of the U.S.A., and there’s some of the biggest companies [present in the Fortune 500 list] located there, for example, Jeep. It’s a very important city for biomedical, renewable energy, automotive, food and beverage sectors, and many others too,” Mr. Lazzaretti was quoted as saying.

Getting acquainted

Oddly, Mr. Lazzaretti first came to know about Toledo through football, Mr. Prephan said.

Mr. Lazzaretti was a running back on an American-style football team in the Italian Football League. One of his teammates was Nick Eyde, whose family owns the East Lansing, Mich.-based Eyde Co.

The Eyde Co. has owned Toledo’s Fiberglas Tower building downtown since 1998, and Mr. Eyde told his teammate many stories about Toledo.

“When Gionata told me he had played football, I said, ‘You mean soccer.’ He said, ‘No, I mean football, American football.’ I had no idea they played it over there,” Mr. Prephan said.

Having heard about Toledo, Mr. Lazzaretti decided to come see it for himself nearly a year and a half ago. He was introduced to Mr. Prephan.

The two have been working on organizing the business forum for about a year.

Activities for the two-day event will include a general greeting session on May 12, a series of speeches and presentations the following day, and on the final day discussions on business issues followed by tours of The Andersons Inc.’s operations in Maumee and Chrysler Group LLC’s Toledo Assembly complex.

Making new friends

The event has rallied many in the Italian-American community in Toledo to either volunteer or contribute in various ways.

Tax specialist Chuck Mira, whose grandparents came to the United States from Italy, plans to lead a discussion on May 14 centered on tax issues for foreign companies doing business in America.

“I guess the economy over there is pretty slow and sluggish and these companies are looking for new opportunities,” said Mr. Mira, a partner at the accounting firm of Mira + Kolena.

“This is a chance to maybe make some new friends and an opportunity to provide tax services,” Mr. Mira said. “As you know, the [U.S. tax] system is vast and complicated.”

The Chinese forum had representatives from about 160 Chinese companies. Mr. Prephan said this event will be “more manageable.” It also will differ in several other respects.

“Right off, there is the language difference and the cultural difference,” Mr. Prephan said. “We won’t have to spend time learning the culture, and as for the language, more than half of the people coming already speak English.”

Also, whereas the Chinese visitors are looking at doing business in Toledo or northwest Ohio years from now, the Italians are ready to do business now, Mr. Prephan said. One Italian firm is actively scouting sites to move a plant from another Midwest state to northwest Ohio, which better fits its plans.

Getting attention

The Italian business forum is drawing some heavyweight attention.

Local development groups and entities, such as the Regional Growth Partnership, the Lucas County Improvement Corp., the city of Toledo, the Lucas County Port Authority, and the University of Toledo all have offered resources and are helping with the event. The state of Ohio is also lending support.

But Mr. Prephan said outside bodies heard about the event and wanted to become involved.

The Italian Business Alliance in Detroit has asked to participate as has the Italian Trade Commission based in Chicago. The Italian Consulate office in Cleveland also will send a representative.

“Frankly, we didn’t anticipate this type of response. We thought a few businesses would be interested, but from there it just kind of grew,” Mr. Prephan said.

Perhaps most surprising is involvement from Chrysler Group LLC, although because it is owned by Fiat SpA, the largest auto manufacturer in Italy, perhaps the involvement should not be all that surprising.

When the Chinese forum was held, Chrysler did not make its Toledo Jeep plant available for tours.

But when the Italian companies arrive, they will get a tour of the Jeep plant. Also, six Chrysler executives will attend parts of the forum, and Mauro Pino, the former Toledo plant manager and now head of NAFTA Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing at Chrysler Group, will come to Toledo on May 13 to be the guest speaker at a special private Italian cuisine dinner to be held at the Toledo Club downtown.

“They’re all over the Italians coming here. We’re more than pleased at their participation,” Mr. Prephan said.

Chrysler Group’s participation and the Jeep plant tour will help showcase Toledo, Mr. Prephan said. But Chrysler’s involvement is giving the Toledo area some high credibility with Italian companies who are unfamiliar with northwest Ohio.

“It gives us a lot of clout and station on this because of who’s going to be here. Everybody in Italy knows Fiat, and Fiat owns Chrysler,” Mr. Prephan said.


IBM to Manage IT Infrastructure Globally for #Fiat S.p.A., #Chrysler Group and CNH Industrial

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ARMONK, N.Y., AUBURN HILLS, Mich., TURIN, Italy and BASILDON, England, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM), together with Fiat S.p.A., Chrysler Group LLC, and CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI), today announced a multi-year strategic services agreement to manage the IT infrastructure and services that support the day-to-day operations and locations, while enabling new opportunities for innovation, for the three organizations worldwide. The scope of the agreement also includes infrastructure management and hosting for the global mail solution servicing more than 150,000 people worldwide.
Fiat and Chrysler have plants in approximately 40 countries and products available in more than 150, while CNH Industrial manufactures in over 20 countries and sells in 190. The three organizations came together to engage IBM as the primary partner in managing their extensive global IT infrastructure, which spans mainframe, midrange and storage in data centers located near Detroit, Michigan, and in St. Louis, Missouri, in the U.S.; Turin and Milan, Italy; and Hortolandia, Brazil.
“Combining Chrysler and Fiat’s IT infrastructure services into a global capability is a critical step in our journey to building a powerful and agile global operation that supports our company’s growth strategy,” said Scott Sandschafer, Chief Information Officer, Chrysler Group LLC.
“This agreement, an extension of a decade-long partnership with IBM, will continue to provide the technology innovation, global delivery capabilities and cost effectiveness that is required to optimize and grow our business worldwide,” said Gilberto Ceresa, Chief Information Officer, Fiat S.p.A.
“CNH Industrial and the 11 global brands that drive our business have been built on a rich history of technology innovation that dates back more than 170 years,” said Domenico Cipollone, head of ICT Demand Management and Projects, who is acting as Co-Chief Information Officer for CNH Industrial.
“The extension of our partnership with IBM offers new paths to efficiency, economies of scale, innovation and growth for our company by allowing us to share and leverage not only technology resources, but also global skills and industry knowledge in key areas such as sustainability, with Fiat and now Chrysler,” said Stefano Firenze, head of ICT Infrastructure and Service Delivery acting as Co-Chief Information Officer for CNH Industrial.
About FIAT
Fiat is an international auto group engaged in industrial activities in the automotive sector through companies located in 40 countries and has commercial relationships with customers in approximately 150 countries. The Group designs, engineers, manufactures, distributes and sells vehicles for the mass market under the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth and Fiat Professional brands and Chrysler brands such as Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram brand vehicles and vehicles with the SRT vehicle performance designation, as well as luxury cars under the Ferrari and Maserati brands. Fiat also operates in the components sector, through Magneti Marelli and Teksid, and in the production systems sector, through Comau, and in after-sales services and products under the Mopar brand name. In addition, the Group provides retail and dealer finance, leasing and rental services in support of the car business through subsidiaries, joint ventures and commercial agreements with specialized financing services providers.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
About CNH Industrial
CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI) is a global leader in the capital goods sector with established industrial experience, a wide range of products and a worldwide presence. Each of the individual brands belonging to the Group is a major international force in its specific industrial sector: Case IH, New Holland Agriculture and Steyr for tractors and agricultural machinery; Case and New Holland Construction for earth moving equipment; Iveco for commercial vehicles; Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus for buses and coaches; Iveco Astra for quarry and construction vehicles; Magirus for firefighting vehicles; Iveco Defence Vehicles for defence and civil protection; and FPT Industrial for engines and transmissions. More information can be found on the corporate website: http://www.cnhindustrial.com
About IBM
For information about IBM business and IT services, visit: http://ibm.com/services. Join the conversation on Twitter at @IBMSourcing or #ITSourcing.
Contacts:
Leslie Monreal-Feil
IBM External Relations (U.S.)
+1-561-862-3074
lmonreal@us.ibm.com
Alessandro Ferrari
IBM External Relations (Italy)
+39-0259624690


Su #Cnh pesa impatto principi contabili Usa, ma il trimestre sarà solido

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Cnh Industrial flette in borsa del 2% a quota 8,31 euro dopo aver reso noto l’effetto sui bilanci passati (2013 e 2012) dell’adozione dei criteri contabili americani Us Gaap, deciso in seguito alla fusione tra Fiat Industrial e Cnh e alla quotazione in Usa. L’impatto negativo a livello di utile operativo è di circa il 16% e del 23% a livello di utile netto.

“Gli effetti sono peggiori delle nostre attese di circa il 18% a livello di utile netto. Applicando i criteri contabili UsGaap si riduce lo sconto a cui tratta Cnh Industrial rispetto ai competitor internazionali, che tuttavia rimane ancora superiore al 20% a livello di enterprise value/ebit e prezzo/utili attesi”, afferma un analista di una sim milanese, confermando la raccomandazione neutral sul titolo. Anche per Fidentiis (rating buy) l’impatto sui numeri del 2013 è peggiore di quanto si aspettassero di 100 milioni di dollari a livello di fatturato e di 270 milioni a livello di utile netto.

Comunque gli analisti sono concordi nel ritenere che Cnh Industrial si riacstterà coi conti del primo trimestre 2014 che verranno pubblicati il prossimo 8 maggio, insieme al nuovo piano industriale 2014-2018.



Fiat-Chrysler annuncerà un piano ambizioso #FIAT #Chrysler

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Fiat-Chrysler annuncerà un piano ambizioso
In attesa della pubblicazione del dato sulle immatricolazioni auto in Italia ad aprile (18.00 di oggi) e soprattutto della presentazione del nuovo piano industriale (6 maggio) di Fiat-Chrysler (Fca), il titolo Fiat per quasi tutta la seduta ha brillato a Piazza Affari con un massimo intraday a quota 8,955 euro, a un soffio dalla soglia psicologica dei 9 euro. Poi ha ritracciato da questo top e si è limitato a un +0,35% a 8,71 euro. Comunque nell’arco dell’ottava ha guadagnato un +2,6%.

A far correre l’azione, oltre alle buone aspettative per il mercato auto italiano dopo il +5,8% registrato da quello francese ad aprile , sono state le vendite della controllata Chrysler Group negli Stati Uniti: 178.652 unità, il 14% in più rispetto alle 156.698 unità dello stesso periodo nel 2013. Si è trattato del miglior aprile dal 2007 e del quarantanovesimo mese consecutivo di crescita.

Ancora più importante il dato è superiore alla guidance 2014 di volumi globali per Chrysler a 2,8 milioni (+9%), hanno notato gli analisti di Equita (buy e target price a 8,8 euro confermati sul titolo Fiat). “Chrysler punta a una crescita del 7,7% nel 2014, a 2,8 milioni di unità contro i 2,6 milioni di unità del 2013, ma riteniamo probabile che batta questo obiettivo: da sole le immatricolazioni negli Stati Uniti, che contano per l’82% delle vendite totali nel 2013, sono cresciute del 12% nei primi 4 mesi di quest’anno”, hanno previsto gli analisti di Banca Akros (buy e target price a 10 euro).

La crescita del gruppo è stata trainata dai marchi con redditività superiore alla media: Jeep +52% anno su anno (+46% da inizio anno), trainata dal nuovo Cherokee (15,6mila unità dalle 11mila di gennaio, 12mila di febbraio e 14mila di marzo) e Patriot (+44% anno su anno, +16% da inizio anno); RAM +22% anno su anno (+26% da inizio anno), trainata dal pick-up e dal contributo modesto del nuovo Pro-Master. Debole invece Chrysler le cui vendite sono calate del 21% anno su anno (-12% da inizio anno), penalizzate dal phase-out della 200 (-66% anno su anno e -30% da inizio anno).

“L’andamento delle vendite in Usa è molto positivo per il gruppo e migliore delle nostre attese, anche se in linea con il consenso di mercato. Le nostre stime prevedono una crescita delle vendite per tutto il 2014 del 7% a oltre 2 milioni di unità. E’ positivo anche il fatto che continui il successo di vendite di Jeep e RAM che hanno margini superiori alla media”, ha commentato un analista di un’altra sim milanese, confermando, al contrario degli altri, la raccomandazione neutral sul titolo Fiat in attesa della presentazione del piano Fiat-Chrysler a Detroit.

Per Bernstein la straordinaria performance del titolo (+48% dall’inizio dell’anno) mostra chiaramente che le aspettative sono “alle stelle”. Fca presenta un enterprise value di 30 miliardi di euro e quindi per gli esperti è chiaro che il piano sarà “più che ambizioso”, accompagnato da target consistenti sui volumi (oltre 6 milioni di auto entro il 2018) e sugli utili e vedrà al suo interno la rinascita di Alfa Romeo, un marchio da associare il più possibile a Maserati.

Per questo motivo Fca annuncerà la costituzione di una nuova società per Alfa Romeo, controllata al 100%, come succede per Maserati, ma anche piani di crescita per Chrysler, progetti di sviluppo per la Jeep in Cina, una nuova strategia in Brasile e probabilmente un progetto per lo sviluppo di prodotti concorrenti di Dacia.

Il piano avrà tuttavia bisogno di molta cassa e quindi gli analisti di Bernstein si sono chiesti se ci saranno sorprese come una Ipo di Ferrari o di Alfa Romeo o un nuovo accordo strategico. D’altra parte, hanno chiarito gli analisti di Bernstein, “è necessario qualcosa di speciale per giustificare l’attuale valutazione del gruppo automobilistico” su cui il broker ha ribadito la raccomandazione market perform e il prezzo obiettivo a 6,25 euro.

A fronte di target attesi “molto sfidanti”, Kepler Cheuvreux (target price alzato da 6,1 a 6,4 euro, rating reduce) si attende anche risultati trimestrali “forti” con un trading profit pari a 1 miliardo di euro, in rialzo rispetto ai 619 milioni di un anno fa, un ebit di 930 milioni contro i 603 milioni dello scorso anno, un utile netto pre-minorities di 280 milioni (31 milioni) e un indebitamento a fine marzo in aumento a oltre 9 miliardi di euro (7,1 miliardi nel primo trimestre 2013 e a 6,7 miliardi nel quarto trimestre 2013).

E proprio l’ingente debito resta la spada di Damocle sul gruppo. Gli stessi analisti di JP Morgan (rating neutral e target price a 8,90 euro) oggi hanno espresso dubbi sulla capacità di Fiat di generare nel breve termine i flussi di cassa necessari per ridurre l’indebitamento. Oltre a interrogarsi sulla sovraccapacità produttiva e sugli sviluppi della quota di mercato, hanno affermato che per assegnare una valutazione più alta a Fiat avrebbero bisogno di avere maggiori dettagli su come Fca pensa di generare flussi di cassa e informazioni sul capex dei prossimi anni.

Così non manca chi, nonostante le smentite dell’ad, pensa ancora a un possibile aumento di capitale per Fiat. “Considero positiva una decisione che dia maggiore flessibilità finanziaria, anche per i nuovi investimenti”, ha affermato un analista, ricordando che Exor, che detiene il 30% circa di Fiat, ha dato in diverse occasioni segnali di disponibilità a un aumento di capitale, ipotesi che però l’ad, Sergio Marchionne, non sembra voler seguire.

Il gruppo ha un debito netto industriale di 6,6 miliardi e liquidità disponibile per 22,7 miliardi a fine 2013 e a fine marzo, in assemblea, Marchionne ha detto che potrebbe proseguire senza rafforzamenti di capitale, aggiungendo però che il prestito convertendo (1,5 miliardi) resta possibile. Le alternative non gli mancano: Ipo di Ferrari o di Maserati.


“Godzilla Craves Italian” FIAT Brand Commercial Debuts Across Television on Monday, May 5

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Leading up to the May 16, 2014, release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ hugely anticipated epic action adventure “Godzilla,” FIAT Brand North America launches a new commercial across television on Monday, May 5. The 30-second spot features Godzilla rampaging through an American city, targeting anyone driving a FIAT vehicle. The visual effects were created by the Canadian visual effects house Moving Picture Company (MPC), the team responsible for bringing Godzilla to life in the film, who achieve the same level of cinematic finish and dramatic impact in the spot. The commercial begins airing across television today (5/ 5), with a special extended “Director’s Cut” available for viewing at FIATUSA.com.

“As one of the year’s most-anticipated films prepares to hit movie screens, we want to think big like the Fiat 500L, and what’s bigger than ‘Godzilla,’” said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer – Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat Group Automobiles Head of Fiat Brand. “There’s no escaping that whether appetites run for a sporty Fiat 500C, the small-but-wicked Abarth or the four-door Fiat 500L, there is a FIAT for every taste.”

The new commercial unleashes Godzilla on the streets of a major city, where he devours a number of Fiat 500 vehicles. While a helicopter hovers overhead, a yellow four-door Fiat 500L zips through the streets below unsuccessfully trying to evade Godzilla’s path. But Godzilla gets much more than he bargained for with the Fiat 500L when he scoops it up! Godzilla is back! “And it looks like he’s craving Italian!” The spot achieves a striking cinematic feel through its detailed environments, realistic atmosphere and the awe-inspiring power of Godzilla himself.

In addition to the co-branded TV spot, FIAT USA is also executing a movie-themed promotion in support of Godzilla, which invites fans to participate in two distinctive social programs. Beginning, Friday, May 9, the “FIAT Godzilla Giveaway” challenges fans of FIAT and “Godzilla” to prove their ultimate fandom by inviting their Facebook friends and fellow aficionados to “like” FIAT USA on Facebook. Users simply visit the “FIAT Godzilla Giveaway” tab on the FIAT USA Facebook page. Throughout the length of the promotion, movie passes and concessions will be given away in daily sweepstakes. A point system will determine the grand prize winner, who will be awarded the ultimate “Godzilla” movie experience — 10 movie passes, $150 for concessions and “Godzilla”-themed merchandise.

At the end of May, fans can visit http://www.FIATUSA.com and click on the “San Francisco Showdown” icon to help Godzilla search through a Giga Pixel landscape photograph of San Francisco, the city in which the film’s spectacular finale plays out, to find the hidden FIAT brand vehicles and FIAT logos. For each find, users gain one entry into the sweepstakes to win a three-day trip for two to San Francisco.

The 30-second commercial was created in partnership with Dallas-based The Richards Group.

About the All-new Fiat 500L
Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for more than 55 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine and two fuel-saving, six-speed transmission offerings, all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento — a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine. The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e, the Fiat 500L and Fiat 500L Trekking.

About “Godzilla”
The world’s most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure “Godzilla” from visionary new director Gareth Edwards (Monsters). Edwards directs Godzilla from a screenplay by Max Borenstein, story by David Callaham, based on the character Godzilla owned and created by TOHO CO., LTD. Thomas Tull produced the film, along with Jon Jashni, Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Patricia Whitcher and Alex Garcia served as executive producers, alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a Legendary Pictures production, a Gareth Edwards film, Godzilla. Slated to open beginning May 16, 2014, the film will be presented in 3D, 2D and IMAX® in select theatres and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. Legendary Pictures is a division of Legendary Entertainment. Godzillamovie.com.


The Big Picture: What *is* each brand #FCA5

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Shortly after the wrap came off a new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sign at the Chrysler Group HQ, Auburn Hills, Mich., company brand CEOs took the wraps off of their respective plans for the next five years.

Shortly after the wrap came off a new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sign at the Chrysler Group HQ, Auburn Hills, Mich., company brand CEOs took the wraps off of their respective plans for the next five years.

The Big Picture: What *is* each brand
by Mike Driehorst

By now, you’ve read about the vehicle changes and plans Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced last week for Chrysler Group and North America. So what we’re going to do here is focus on the positioning focus for each of our brands.

Read it over and let us know in the comments or via Twitter (tagged #FCA5) if you agree or disagree.

Chrysler Brand: Going Mainstream
Can the Chrysler brand resonate with mainstream America and Canada? At times, Chrysler has been seen as a bit more luxury than mainstream, though it’s touched on both. However, for what was announced by Chrysler Brand President/CEO Al Gardner, there’ll be no mistaking its focus.

And, that focus is going back to what Walter P. Chrysler said:

“I gave the public quality, beauty, speed, comfort, style and power, all at a low price.”

With that direction, Chrysler is aiming straight at competitors like Ford, Honda, Chevrolet and Toyota. While the brand has “only” the 200, 300 and Town & Country today, by 2018, you’ll see twice that number of vehicles in its stable, with a combination of gas-powered and plugin cars, crossovers and minivans.

Jeep Brand: Enabling Life’s Journeys
There’s no changing Jeep, right? It’s so iconic, so steadfast in its purpose and spirit, so American.

Just like the early settlers spread that adventuresome spirit across the country, the Jeep brand will spread its spirit around the world. With manufacturing operations firmly planted in the U.S. today, by 2018, there’ll new Jeep manufacturing plants in five other countries to produce Jeep SUVs for the rest of the world.

While Jeep President/CEO Mike Manley focused on international growth and new SUVs like the Grand Wagoneer, he also emphasized the off-road capability of Jeep by talking about what it means when a Jeep is Trail Rated. It’s not just marketing talk. Click to see what a Trail Rated Jeep SUV can do.

Dodge Brand: Driving Passion
Dodge has often been the brand for those who want a little extra muscle and performance in their car, and now it’s going full bore, as President/CEO Tim Kuniskis outlined in its brand promise:

“In defense of driving. We want people to actually use their car for what the car was built to do.”

With that renewed emphasis, Dodge is getting a bit beefier as the SRT brand is being rolled into the brand (with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT being the exception), the Dart SRT finally being announced, plus a new mid-size SUV SRT written into the Dodge brand five-year plan.

Ram Truck: Doing it Right
Ram Truck has been gaining ground on its competition, quickly and steadily in recent years. In fact, in March, Ram actually outsold Chevy Silverado for the first time since the 1990s.

Ram’s message has been — and will be — to focus on capability, efficiency and durability. And, President/CEO Reid Bigland demonstrated how that has paid off. Since 2009, Ram has grown from 11.1% market share to 21.7%. In that time, the two main competitors have dropped from 0.5- 7.6% market share.

Bigland said the emphasis on improving our pickup trucks where customers see the most value will continue. Click to see the Ram brand and Ram Commercial plans through 2018.

Fiat Brand: Buying the Brand
Since the return of Fiat to the United States, the focus for the 500 has not been that it’s a mode of transportation. It’s been on the experience and on getting a car that helps showcase your personality.

Head of Fiat Brand Olivier Francois talked of the unique blend of emotion, aspiration and desire that the Fiat brand has exuded during its return to North America – and how it will continue to be that because it’s proven successful with the new owners. Francois said that 85% of Fiat 500 customers are new to Chrysler Group. They are attracted because of what the 500 – no matter the version – embodies.

The 500 family will continue to grow, building on the 500 platform. The 500 and the 500L will see a new sibling, in the form of a 500X come early 2015, and a Fiat Specialty by the end of that year.


New #Fiat Ducato is “Van of the Year 2014” in Denmark

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The evolution of Fiat’s bestseller wins the important award with 56 points
The panel particularly appreciated its powerful, efficient engines and its many, high-tech safety and driving assist systems
All this for a very competitive price in its category
The lowest emission and consumption levels in the segment – only 5.8l/100km and 153g/km of CO2 in the NEDC cycle – secured by 115-180HP MultiJet II engines, also available with an innovative Comfort-Matic transmission
As standard on the whole range, electronic stability control (ESC) system complete with rollover mitigation system, adaptive load and centre of gravity detection system (LAC) and Hill Holder
On request further driving assist devices, like Traction+ with Hill Descent Control and Lane Departure Warning System with Traffic Sign Recognition

The New Fiat Ducato was named “Van of the Year 2014″ in Denmark with 56 points, winning over the panel with its powerful, efficient engines, high-tech equipment and its safety and driving assist systems. All this at a very competitive price in its segment.

That’s without mentioning the durability, robustness and the consequent increase in the residual value, combined with efficiency, low running costs and a reduction in the price of spare parts: these allow the New Ducato to boast maintenance and repair costs among the lowest in its class, a major contribution toward improving the ‘Total Cost of Ownership’, i.e. the total running cost between the purchase and sale of the vehicle.

The panel of nine journalists explained why: “Fiat Ducato was elected ‘Van of The Year 2014′ because it has the right combination of affordable prices, efficient engines, the possibility of adding high-tech safety systems, good ergonomics, complete range of versions and high perceived quality”.

The Danish prize – awarded last week in a ceremony on the island of Fionia – reasserts the outstanding potentialities of the New Ducato, the latest evolution of a bestseller which for 33 years – through five generations – confirms it is the best travel companion and business partner for more than 2.6 million of clients who have chosen it since 1981. Today, to continue playing a leading role, the new vehicle introduces a number of new features to meet the new needs of customers by offering more technology, more efficiency and more value.

In detail, the Danish panel of the “Van of the Year 2014″ award particularly appreciated the revamped range of MultiJet (Euro 5+) engines of the New Ducato, a further confirmation of Fiat Professional’s exclusive “an engine for each mission” strategy. The 2.0 MultiJet, delivering 115 HP and 280 Nm of maximum torque (5-speed gearbox), is the perfect interpretation of the downsizing concept. It is cost-effective and provides excellent performance, especially in urban environments. The keystone of the Ducato range is the 130 HP 2.3 MultiJet, delivering 320 Nm of maximum torque (6-speed gearbox), the ideal solution for mixed use – agile in traffic, dazzling over long distances – also thanks to the availability of high torque even at low rpm. Interestingly, the specific 2.3 MultiJet 130 HP ECO version – automatically limited to a top speed of 90 km/h – offers surprising values: 153 g/km of CO2 and 5.8 l/100 km of fuel consumption in the combined cycle.

The third engine of the range is the 2.3 MultiJet 150 HP, delivering 350 Nm of maximum torque (6-speed gearbox), best in class due to its low consumption/high performance ratio combined with low weight making it ideal for demanding usage conditions. There’s also the powerful 3.0 MultiJet 180 HP, delivering 400 Nm of maximum torque (6-speed gearbox), able to satisfy the needs of professionals who want power, torque and acceleration and those who need heavier conversions such as large motorhomes. Following the launch, the 3-litre Natural Power methane/petrol bi-fuel version (Euro 6) with 140 HP and 350 Nm of maximum torque will be available.

The New Ducato implements three other technologies to improve fuel efficiency even more: a Comfort-Matic automatic transmission (available on 2.3 and 3.0 litre engines) to save up to 5 per cent of fuel and boost driving comfort; ; Start & Stop to cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in cities (available on 2.3 MultiJet 130 and 150 HP engines); and the new Gear Shift Indicator, which helps to optimise driving style by suggesting the right gear to save fuel.

The New Ducato also demonstrates its cutting-edge credentials with an extremely high-tech equipment range, state-of-the-art safety and driving assist devices, and a new infotainment system. For example, all versions offer electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. This system has been improved with a roll limitation system to increase comfort and protect the load from unexpected shifts, in conjunction with a load detection system (LAC), Hill Holder, anti-slip system (ASR) and electronic emergency braking assistance system (EBA).

To ensure greater manoeuvrability and enhanced driving comfort, Servotronic variable assistance power steering is offered as standard on the MultiJet 2.3 and 3.0 engine versions, while further driving assist systems are available on request, such as Traction+ (complete with Hill Descent Control system), lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition system.


#Marchionne Brembo Dedication Remarks

#Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant Establishes Permanent Veteran’s Memorial Featuring Toledo-built 1942 Willys Military #Jeep

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As the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember those who served in the United States Armed Services, Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Complex (TAC) unveiled its own special tribute to veterans around the country during a ceremony at the plant today.

Vice President of Assembly Operations Zach Leroux, TAC Plant Manager Chuck Padden, UAW Local 12 Chairman Mark Epley, employees and five veterans with ties to the Toledo plant, including three retirees who served in WWII, dedicated a permanent veteran’s memorial in the shadow of the giant Jeep® sign that identifies the plant at the intersection of I-75 and I-280. Featuring a restored 1942 Willys Military Jeep, the memorial not only recognizes the service of those in uniform, but also the plant’s nearly 75-year history of building Jeep vehicles, starting with production of the first military Jeep.

“Like all Americans, we owe our freedom to the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the military, but at Jeep, we owe our very existence to our WWII veterans,” said Padden. “When they returned home from the war, they purchased civilian versions of the Jeep vehicles they learned to depend upon in the war. These heroes became our first Jeep enthusiasts. Without them, we would not be here today.

“But the Jeep legacy is not just about the vehicles; it is also about the people,” said Padden. “Some of the people who currently work in this plant and some who helped refurbish this 1942 Jeep are descendants of those who possibly built this very vehicle. We have come a long way at the Toledo Jeep plant, so it’s important to remind the new generation where it all started.”

Plant management and the local UAW leadership agreed that the best way to honor veterans and the plant’s Jeep history was to find a military Jeep to restore and put on permanent display. With the help of former Toledo plant manager Jerry Huber and a Craig’s List ad, the 1942 Willys was found in Wimberley, Texas, a community 28 miles southwest of Austin. The vehicle was in fairly good shape, but didn’t run. When the owner heard that the Jeep plant in Toledo wanted the vehicle to put on display, he immediately pulled the ad, sold it to the plant for $950 and volunteered to transport it to Toledo in exchange for a tour.

The Willys returned home on May 9 and restoration work began on May 12. A team of about 15 Toledo employees worked for a week and a half to return the vehicle to its original condition, replacing parts, refurbishing body panels and painting the vehicle. Because all of the vehicle identification plates and hood graphics were removed, the exact history of the vehicle can’t be determined, but the plant estimates that the vehicle was originally built in mid-1942.

The memorial also includes silhouettes of soldiers, created by volunteers from the plant. An assembly employee drew up the soldier outlines and body shop employees cut out the figures, ground the edges and finished them.

“With our deep military roots, it was especially important for this plant to establish a permanent way of paying our respects to those who have fought for the freedom we all enjoy,” said the UAW’s Epley. “With nearly 10 percent of our workforce with military experience, plus all of our team members with family members having served or still serving, this memorial is very personal for all of us.”

The number of Toledo employees with a military background has grown by 25 percent with the launch of the Jeep Cherokee and the recent hiring.

About the Veterans
Helping to dedicate the Toledo Assembly Complex’s Veteran’s Memorial were five veterans, all of whom with ties to the plant.

Twins Lewis and Leroy Woggon, 87, were hired by the Jeep plant in 1943. Three months later, they were drafted into the Army and served as combat engineers during WWII. They both served for three years, returning to work at the Jeep plant after they were discharged. Leroy retired in 1989 after 45 years with Jeep, but brother Lewis stayed on five more years, retiring in 1994. Leroy’s son Gary has been working at Jeep since 1983 and currently works in the Wrangler paint shop. Lewis’s son and grandson both retired from the Jeep plant.

John Smith served in the Army Infantry from 1945-1946. He was hired by Jeep in 1947 and spent the next 40 years building Jeep vehicles before retiring in 1985.

Ron Szymanski retired from the Jeep plant in 1998 following 35 years working in body, paint and assembly. He also served as the Jeep museum curator. Szymanski served in the Army National Guard from 1950-1955, then went to Officer Candidate School where he was Honorably Discharged in 1960 as a 1st Lieutenant Army Reserve Officer.

Lupe Flores, the 90-year-old cousin of Jeep retiree Hector Flores who serves on the Jeep Veterans Committee, served with the Army 101st Airborne from 1943-1946. He was involved in the D-Day Invasion in Normandy, France, and took part in two combat jumps during his time with the Army.

The History of Jeep in Toledo
Toledo is known as the birthplace of Jeep. In 1940 as war spread through Europe, the United States Army determined that it needed a new type of fast, lightweight, all-terrain reconnaissance vehicle. The Army selected Toledo-based Willys-Overland for production of the vehicle, and the company began production in late 1941, building about 8,000 units that year. In total, 363,000 were built in Toledo through the end of the war in 1945.

The vehicle was officially known as the Willys MB, but not many people called it that. Before long, it became universally known as the Jeep, many believing that the name came from the term “GP,” for “General Purpose.”

The Jeep was an all-purpose vehicle and served in every theater of the war. It was used as a staff car, pickup truck, ambulance, reconnaissance vehicle, machine gun mount, ammunition bearer and a troop carrier.

After the war, Willys-Overland introduced a version for the general public, adding refined features such as windshield wipers, a tailgate and an outside gas cap. It was called the CJ-2A, with the “CJ” standing for “Civilian Jeep.” It became an icon because of its open-air look and tremendous off-road capabilities.

Other Jeep models followed, such as the first station wagon with four-wheel drive, and the Wagoneer, a pioneering sport-utility vehicle introduced in 1963. They were also built in Toledo.

Meanwhile, Jeep’s corporate ownership changed hands several times until Chrysler acquired the brand in 1987. Today, the Toledo Assembly Complex builds the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the all-new Jeep Cherokee with nearly 4,200 employees.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC products are available in more than 150 countries around the world.

Follow Chrysler Group LLC and Jeep news and video on:
Chrysler On Demand (COD): http://www.chryslerondemand.com
Company blog: blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com
ChryslerGroup360: http://www.chryslergroup360.com
Jeep brand: http://www.jeep.com
Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeep or http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/jeepexperience or http://www.flickr.com/chryslergroup
Media website: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jeep or http://www.pinterest.com/chryslergroup
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jeepofficial or http://www.instagram.com/chryslergroup
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jeep or http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo


#Jeep® lancia l’ultimo episodio della miniserie web “Pirlo The Wizard”

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eep® lancia l’ultimo episodio della miniserie web “Pirlo The Wizard”

In occasione della partenza degli Azzurri per il Brasile, on air l’ultimo episodio della webserie che vede protagonista Jeep e il talento di Andrea Pirlo
Jeep e Andrea Pirlo insieme per celebrare autenticità, passione, capacità di superare i limiti

Per consolidare ancora di più la partnership con Juventus, Jeep ha lanciato lo scorso maggio “Pirlo The Wizard”, la webserie in 5 episodi ideata da Independent Ideas che vede protagonista la stella della Juventus e ambassador del marchio Jeep Andrea Pirlo nei suoi momenti più significativi, dalla vittoria dello scudetto al ritiro con la Nazionale.

Proprio in occasione della partenza per il Brasile, va on air l’ultimo episodio della serie, come celebrazione dell’inizio di una sfida che vedrà impegnato il talento di Andrea Pirlo insieme ai suoi compagni azzurri.

In ogni episodio, Pirlo si esibisce in prodezze al limite del possibile, che confermano le sue tipiche magie balistiche dimostrate ogni volta sul campo da gioco, che gli sono valse il soprannome di “mago”. Al suo fianco, il marchio Jeep , che condivide con il campione la personalità inconfondibile, la capacità di dominare le sfide più estreme nella massima sicurezza.

Con un finale sempre sorprendente, ogni episodio è stato lanciato in occasione di un importante avvenimento per la squadra più forte d’Italia e per il suo fuoriclasse: la vittoria del trentaduesimo scudetto, il compleanno di Andrea Pirlo, un ironico episodio legato alla finale di Champions e, in ultimo, la partenza azzurra per il Brasile.

Nel quinto e ultimo episodio, caratterizzato dal divertente hashtag #tantavogliadibrasil, la location

è Vinovo. Vediamo Pirlo tirare una punizione che supera gli spalti ed entra nel baule di una Jeep

Wrangler parcheggiata. Parte l’autoradio che trasmette una samba e Pirlo, togliendosi la maglia della Juve, scopre una camicia floreale, indossa occhiali da sole, sale e parte sull’auto che ha una targa brasiliana.

Con questo progetto, Jeep rende omaggio ad Andrea Pirlo e ne conferma la scelta come ambassador del marchio: entrambi sono infatti icone dei rispettivi mondi, hanno nel proprio DNA una storia fatta di autenticità, passione e capacità di affrontare e superare qualsiasi sfida.

Così come Pirlo, anche il marchio Jeep ha dimostrato determinazione nel raggiungere gli obiettivi e conseguire risultati da record. Lo scorso anno il marchio americano ha infatti colto una nuova vittoria raggiungendo il primato assoluto di oltre 730 mila unità vendute nel mondo per il secondo anno consecutivo e registrando un trend di crescita ininterrotto da quattro anni sia a livello globale che americano.



Fiat accompagna il Semestre italiano di Presidenza del Consiglio UE con proprie vetture

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foto-semestre-fiat
Oggi a Milano, in occasione della prima riunione informale dei ministri di Giustizia e Affari interni, ha debuttato la flotta di veicoli che Fiat-Chrysler ha fornito, in qualità di sponsor, al Governo italiano nell’ambito della Presidenza di turno del Consiglio dell’Unione Europea.

Il Gruppo si è infatti aggiudicato il bando di gara del Ministero degli Esteri per la fornitura di automezzi, a titolo di comodato gratuito, che dovranno garantire tutte le esigenze di trasporto delle Delegazioni e delle Autorità nazionali ed europee legate alla Presidenza italiana.

Fiat sponsor Presidenza Italiana Ue


Basta gelati barchette..

Cernobbio, la scossa di Marchionne al governo: “Scegliete tre cose , poi fatele. Per me le priorità sono lavoro, incertezza del diritto e burocrazia”

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L’ad Fca: «Siamo un Paese di gattopardi, è ora di cambiare. Non è più accettabile la tirannia della minoranza nel sindacato. Non vogliamo lavoratori usa e getta, ma persone coinvolte»
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TEODORO CHIARELLI
INVIATO A CERNOBBIO
Sergio Marchionne torna a spronare Matteo Renzi. «Il governo scelga tre cose – ha detto l’amministratore delegato di Fiat Chrysler intervenendo al Workshop Ambrosetti a Cernobbio sul lago di Como – ma poi le faccia. Io indico questi problemi: mercato del lavoro, la mancanza di certezza del diritto e la burocrazia».

L’ad del Lingotto usa toni decisi. «Noi italiani da sempre siamo il paese dei gattopardi: vogliamo che tutto cambi perché tutto rimanga com’è. Se non cambiamo atteggiamento tutti quanti andremo sempre più in basso».
Poi ha aggiunto, scandendo bene le parole. «Oggi, in questa sala, possiamo raccontarci ancora una volta quanto le riforme siano cruciali per uscire da questa situazione di stallo. E anch’io, come mi è stato chiesto, farò la mia parte e mi concentrerò su alcune poche cose che, a mio parere, sono le più importanti. Ma il punto è che se non cambiamo atteggiamento, tutti quanti – collettivamente e ognuno come singolo – andremo sempre più in basso. Ognuno di noi, ogni individuo, deve farsi un esame di coscienza e decidere qual è il tipo di cambiamento che vuole: il proprio o quello degli altri. Nel farlo, dobbiamo essere consapevoli che il primo richiede sacrifici, coraggio e senso di responsabilità nel costruire l’Italia che vogliamo. L’altro, invece, ci relega al ruolo di spettatori e condanna la società italiana e il futuro del Paese a quello di vittima».

I nodi che l’Italia deve affrontare, ha spiegato, sono «la mancanza di occupazione e la carenza di capitali, soprattutto dall’estero». Ed è qui che il manager con il maglioncino nero dice di essersi scontrato nei suoi 10 anni di attività al vertice della Fiat: il mercato del lavoro, la mancanza di certezza del diritto e la burocrazia. «Ci troviamo a operare in un contesto nel quale serve migliorare l’occupazione, noi abbiamo l’Irap che invece si paga di più al crescere dei posti di lavoro».

Marchionne torna quindi su un tema a lui particolarmente caro: il mercato del lavoro. «In Italia è anomalo e non esiste in nessun altro Paese. E’ inutile innamorarsi del sistema tedesco, impossibile adottare il sistema anglosassone». Quindi l’affondo: «Non è più accettabile la tirannia della minoranza nel mondo dei sindacati. Manca la certezza del diritto, soprattutto in materia di lavoro. Vi porto la nostra esperienza pura e semplice. Alla fine del 2011 abbiamo fatto un contratto specifico che la Fiom non ha firmato. In base a una norma di legge di una chiarezza cristallina chi non firma non ha diritto a rappresentanze sindacali. Ci siamo visti intentare 62 cause, di queste 46 chiuse a nostro favore, 7 contro, 7 con rinvio alla Corte costituzionale e 2 rimaste in sospeso. Dopo un anno e mezzo la Corte costituzionale ha ribaltato l’indirizzo, dichiarando l’articolo 19 non conforme alla Costituzione italiana.

Marchionne ha quindi spiegato che così è stato cancellato uno dei parametri certi. «Non esiste alcun parametro certo. Mi chiedo se è modo per dare certezza alle aziende. Dobbiamo semplificare l’apparato normativo e non cumulare leggi su leggi. Servono regole chiare per la rappresentanza dei lavoratori e devono essere efficaci per la comunità aziendale e rispettate da tutti». Detto questo, Marchionne precisa polemicamente: «Mi chiedo quando il Paese capirà che noi non vogliamo lavoratori usa e getta, ma persone coinvolte, che si sentano parte di un progetto per il futuro».

L’ad del Lingotto e di Auburn Hills cita l’esempio di Fiat. «In Italia abbiamo una grande storia alle spalle, una tradizione secolare che è parte della nostra natura e che è importante proteggere. Su questa eccellenza, ad esempio, abbiamo centrato la nostra nuova strategia, per valorizzare l’alto di gamma con i marchi Alfa Romeo e Maserati, e per trasformare i nostri impianti italiani in una base di produzione per le esportazioni sui mercati di tutto il mondo. Non si può aspettare all’infinito che sia il sistema politico a muoversi. In tutti questi anni, ho visto cambiare poco o nulla nel sistema-Paese. E’ da tempo, ad esempio, che Fiat solleva il problema dell’export e la necessità di facilitare i processi per le esportazioni. Non è successo nulla, finora. Quello che ho detto al Meeting di Rimini, la scorsa settimana, invitando tutti a fare il primo passo, è esattamente ciò che ha fatto la Fiat. Ci siamo mossi da soli. Abbiamo fatto scelte coraggiose e di rottura con il passato per compensare in parte i gap strutturali del Paese, compreso uscire da Confindustria, per riacquistare una libertà di contrattazione con i nostri collaboratori». E ancora: «Se fossimo rimasti fermi saremmo probabilmente falliti. O, nella migliore delle ipotesi, avremmo dovuto prendere decisioni impopolari. Noi, invece, abbiamo cercato da soli di introdurre elementi di modernità nel contesto in cui operiamo. Ma il nostro cerchio d’azione è comunque limitato. E mi rendo conto che non si può chiedere a tutti di fare la stessa cosa, o perlomeno nella stessa misura».

Appassionato di citazioni, Marchionne a Cernobbio sciorina una poesia di Charles Osgood, un anchorman della CBS America, per spiegare come in Italia si parla tanto di riforme, ma poi nessuno le fa. Parafrasata la poesia racconta la storia di quattro persone, chiamate Ognuno, Qualcuno, Ciascuno e Nessuno. «C’era un lavoro importante da fare – racconta Marchionne – e a Ognuno fu chiesto di farlo. Ognuno era sicuro che Qualcuno lo avrebbe fatto. Ciascuno poteva farlo, ma Nessuno lo fece. Qualcuno si arrabbiò, perché era il lavoro di Ognuno. Ognuno pensò che Ciascuno poteva farlo, ma Nessuno capì che Qualcuno non l’avrebbe fatto. Finì che Ognuno incolpò Qualcuno perché Nessuno fece ciò che Qualcuno avrebbe potuto fare». Siamo o non siamo il Paese dei Gattopardi?.


L’intervento di Marchionne al forum Ambrosetti 2014

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Sergio Marchionne – Trascrizione del discorso al Forum Ambrosetti di Cernobbio – settembre 2014

Signore e Signori, buongiorno. Mi scuso in anticipo con tutti quelli a cui non piacciono le slide, ma ne ho portate alcune. Mi pare che, tra i relatori di oggi, la mia voce sia l’unica dal mondo delle imprese, ma non ho la pretesa né il ruolo di parlarvi a nome di tutti. Quello che posso fare è portarvi l’esperienza di un gruppo industriale come Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, che opera in 190 paesi e occupa più di 300.000 persone nel mondo.

E se contiamo anche Cnh Industrial, la società nata nel 2011 dalla scissione del gruppo Fiat e in cui sono ancora coinvolto, stiamo parlando di una realtà complessiva di oltre 370.000 lavoratori; di due aziende globali che nel loro insieme fatturano circa 113 miliardi di euro. Ho pensato a lungo su come aprire il mio intervento oggi.

Nelle scorse settimane, e specialmente negli ultimi giorni in occasione di questa conferenza, si sono sentiti e letti fiumi di parole su politiche e modalità per far ripartire questo paese. Il riassunto di tutto questo è racchiuso in una poesia di Charles Osgood, un anchorman della Cbs America, che parafrasata racconta la storia di quattro persone, chiamate Ognuno, Qualcuno, Ciascuno e Nessuno. “C’era un lavoro importante da fare e a Ognuno fu chiesto di farlo. Ognuno era sicuro che Qualcuno lo avrebbe fatto. Ciascuno poteva farlo, ma Nessuno lo fece. Qualcuno si arrabbiò, perché era il lavoro di Ognuno.
Ognuno pensò che Ciascuno poteva farlo, ma Nessuno capì che Qualcuno non l’avrebbe fatto. Finì che Ognuno incolpò Qualcuno perché Nessuno fece ciò che Qualcuno avrebbe potuto fare”. Noi italiani siamo da sempre il paese dei Gattopardi. A parole vogliamo che tutto cambi, ma solo perché tutto rimanga com’è.

Oggi, in questa sala, possiamo raccontarci ancora una volta quanto le riforme siano cruciali per uscire da questa situazione di stallo. E anch’io, come mi è stato chiesto, farò la mia parte e mi concentrerò su alcune poche cose che, a mio parere, sono le più importanti. Ma il punto è che se non cambiamo atteggiamento, tutti quanti – collettivamente e ognuno come singolo – andremo sempre più in basso.

Ognuno di noi, ogni individuo, deve farsi un esame di coscienza e decidere qual è il tipo di cambiamento che vuole: il proprio o quello degli altri. Nel farlo, dobbiamo essere consapevoli che il primo richiede sacrifici, coraggio e senso di responsabilità nel costruire l’Italia che vogliamo. L’altro, invece, ci relega al ruolo di spettatori e condanna la società italiana e il futuro del paese a quello di vittima. Vengo ora a ciò per cui sono stato invitato. Non sono certo io la persona che deve indicare l’agenda al governo. E so bene che le risorse oggi sono molto scarse.

I fronti su cui intervenire sono così tanti – giustizia, fisco, lavoro, Pubblica amministrazione, infrastrutture, costo del credito, corruzione, evasione, criminalità organizzata… – e gli interessi da toccare sono così vasti che stabilire un ordine di priorità diventa un “dilemma del prigioniero”. Io mi limito a parlarvi da uno che fa impresa e che vede due problemi di fondo: la mancanza di occupazione e l’assenza di capitali, di gente che è disposta a investire, soprattutto dall’estero. E’ una situazione che si è prodotta a causa di tre fattori fondamentali, con cui mi sono scontrato negli ultimi dieci anni di gestione quotidiana delle nostre aziende: il mercato del lavoro, la mancanza di certezza del diritto e la burocrazia.

Purtroppo in Italia c’è la tendenza a discutere delle questioni economiche, specialmente quelle sul mercato del lavoro, in termini ideologici. E’ una vecchia concezione dei rapporti di forza che nell’ultimo mezzo secolo ha bloccato il paese su posizioni prive di sostanza e ci ha portati a risultati opposti a quelli che si voleva perseguire. C’è una ragione molto semplice per cui ci troviamo a questo punto.

Il problema sta nel modo in cui si concepisce il rapporto tra capitale e collettività; tra stato, aziende e cittadini. Il sistema italiano ha spostato la gestione della vita lavorativa dei suoi cittadini sulle aziende.

Nel momento in cui una persona acquisisce un posto di lavoro, l’azienda diventa l’ente responsabile per il suo lavoro, per la sua famiglia, per il suo futuro. E ne assume anche una responsabilità morale, perché s’instaura una relazione che solo in casi eccezionali può terminare. Per quanto si dica, sono le aziende stesse che, in cicli economici normali, versano all’Inps i contributi per garantire la cassa integrazione ai lavoratori italiani.

Lo stato, invece che riprendersi in carico la gestione dei suoi cittadini – in caso di cambiamenti dei mercati che sono duraturi, permanenti e irreversibili — fa di tutto per rendere quel rapporto con l’azienda il più stretto e vincolante possibile. Lo fa durare a vita per legge, o perlomeno fino alla pensione. E’ una concezione a dir poco anomala, che non esiste più in nessun paese civile del mondo.

E’ un concetto da economia socialista, che ricorda tempi passati. Dove faceva poca differenza se la gestione dei cittadini era nelle mani dirette dello stato o di imprese pubbliche o parastatali. E’ un concetto che privilegia il posto di lavoro in sé, a scapito della crescita e della mobilità sociale, della formazione e dello sviluppo dei cittadini.

E’ una visione dell’economia statica, che non tutela davvero l’occupazione né i salari. Rende solo le imprese più deboli, perché blocca i processi di cambiamento e di rinascita che si generano naturalmente dal funzionamento dei mercati liberi. Non ci sono omologhi in Europa.

Il Global Competitiveness Report, appena pubblicato dal World Economic Forum, che mette a confronto 144 paesi nel mondo, mostra che quanto a efficienza del mercato del lavoro l’Italia è al 136esimo posto, ultima degli stati europei e un gradino sopra lo Zimbabwe. Se poi guardiamo la facilità d’ingresso e uscita dal mercato del lavoro, ci spetta addirittura la posizione 141. Per carità, sempre meglio del solito Zimbabwe, del Sudafrica e del Venezuela.

Questa impostazione culturale ha prodotto l’ostilità che continua a esistere oggi in Italia verso le imprese. Ed è la madre di un percorso storico conflittuale che ha dilaniato il nostro paese per lungo tempo. E che, purtroppo, in parte della società sopravvive ancora e vede contrapposti “capitale e lavoro”, “padroni e operai”, “sfruttati e sfruttatori”. Una tassa come l’Irap, che tutti a parole considerano iniqua, ma continua ad esistere, è figlia di questa cultura anti industriale. Non si spiega altrimenti perché, in momenti di disoccupazione drammatica, s’imponga sulle aziende una tassa che cresce in proporzione al numero di persone impiegate.

Questa cultura è anche la ragione per cui quando un’attività in perdita – senza alcuna prospettiva di ripresa – chiude, il sistema italiano è incapace di reagire e lo vive come un atto di violenza gratuito e immotivato. Mi chiedo quando capiremo, anche in Italia, che la sfida non è tra imprese e lavoratori; ma è tra noi, tutti insieme, e il resto del mondo, che rappresenta la vera concorrenza. Mi chiedo quando il paese capirà che noi non vogliamo lavoratori “usa e getta”, ma persone coinvolte, che si sentano parte di un progetto per il futuro.

Mi chiedo anche quando ci renderemo conto che solo un’economia di mercato può creare le condizioni ideali alla crescita, alla competizione e all’innovazione. In un paese che riconosce e promuove il libero mercato, ognuno deve fare il proprio lavoro. Il compito delle imprese è quello di investire e di rischiare, di crescere e di rafforzarsi nel mondo, di garantire un ambiente dinamico e aperto al futuro. Lo stato deve fare lo stato. Né scaricare sulle imprese la gestione della vita lavorativa dei suoi cittadini né semplicemente assisterli.

Persino quella che alcuni considerano l’unica vera riforma varata finora, e che ha messo in sicurezza il nostro sistema pensionistico, di fatto ha provveduto, almeno temporaneamente, a sollevare le casse dello stato ma ha spostato il problema su aziende e cittadini. E ovviamente non è servita a far ripartire l’economia.

Il nostro auspicio è che il Jobs Act, che è ancora tutto da definire, riporti in equilibrio il rapporto tra stato, azienda e dipendenti. E’ chiaro che il nostro Welfare State, un sistema pensato per aiutare i più deboli oggi ha perso la sua efficacia. Non ci ha protetti dalla crisi e non ha la capacità di gestire i cambiamenti che avvengono alla velocità della luce in un mondo che adesso è completamente piatto e in cui la concorrenza è spietata ed efficace.

La cosa paradossale è che quelle regole che erano state pensate per difendere il lavoro ci hanno portati a un punto in cui la cosa più difficile è creare lavoro. Bisogna trovare una strada diversa che porti a risultati migliori.

L’obiettivo è allineare il nostro ordinamento a quello della maggior parte d’Europa, ispirandoci ai principi della flexicurity. Mi rendo conto che è impossibile, per l’Italia, con il suo passato, adottare un sistema anglosassone. Sarebbe visto come un attacco ai valori culturali del paese. Così com’è inutile innamorarsi del sistema tedesco, che ha radici storiche non replicabili altrove, o del sistema di chiunque altro.

L’Italia può e deve trovare la propria strada, il giusto punto di equilibrio tra esigenze di flessibilità e senso di sicurezza per i lavoratori. Possiamo guardare a quello che è stato fatto altrove, imparare dalle loro esperienze, ma poi dobbiamo costruire la nostra realtà, senza copiare da nessuno. E soprattutto senza farlo al ribasso.

Un’intera gamma di misure è potenzialmente disponibile. Tutte quante sono perfettamente compatibili con una società aperta, libera e in libero mercato. Penso a politiche attive che aiutino i lavoratori ad affrontare i cambiamenti del mercato, i periodi di disoccupazione temporanea e la transizione verso un nuovo lavoro.

Penso a iniziative di formazione adeguate, che coinvolgano anche le aziende, per assicurare alle persone una crescita lavorativa e sociale continua. E penso a sistemi di protezione sociale moderni, che forniscano un adeguato sostegno al reddito e agevolino la mobilità sul mercato del lavoro. Dobbiamo smettere di pensare alle misure di welfare come a un mezzo per riparare a posteriori i danni, e trasformarle in modo che siano in grado di offrire alle persone una sicurezza attiva contro i rischi.

L’altro tema che vorrei affrontare è la certezza del diritto, specialmente in materia di lavoro. Non entro in ragionamenti teorici sulla legislazione italiana. Vi porto la nostra esperienza, pura e semplice. Come saprete, alla fine del 2011, la Fiat ha sottoscritto un contratto collettivo specifico di lavoro, che la Fiom non ha firmato. In base a una norma di legge, di una chiarezza cristallina – e cioè l’articolo 19 dello Statuto dei lavoratori – chi non firma il contratto non ha diritto a rappresentanze sindacali in azienda. Noi abbiamo applicato la legge, in modo coerente e rigoroso.

Ci siamo visti intentare 62 cause. 46 si sono chiuse a nostro favore e 7 contro. Altre 7 sono state rinviate alla Corte Costituzionale. Due sono rimaste in sospeso. Dopo un anno e mezzo, la Corte Costituzionale ha ribaltato l’indirizzo che lei stessa aveva espresso, in numerose occasioni, per 17 anni. Dichiarando l’articolo 19 non conforme alla Costituzione italiana, ha cancellato uno dei pochi punti di riferimento certi. Ad oggi, non esiste alcun parametro affidabile per stabilire quale sindacato è rappresentativo, e ha quindi titolo per negoziare con l’impresa, e quale invece no. Vi chiedo se questo è un modo per dare certezze a un’azienda.

La soluzione non è roba da marziani. Dobbiamo semplificare l’apparato normativo esistente. E non cumulando leggi su leggi, come si è fatto negli ultimi anni. Serve poi una regola chiara sulla rappresentanza dei lavoratori. Gli accordi stipulati dalla maggioranza dei sindacati e dei lavoratori devono essere efficaci nei confronti di tutta la comunità aziendale e rispettati da tutti. In un momento delicato come questo, non possiamo più difendere un sistema di tirannia della minoranza, giocato peraltro sulla pelle delle persone da tutelare.

C’è ancora un altro elemento-chiave su cui dobbiamo intervenire per recuperare la fiducia e la credibilità internazionale. Ed è l’eccesso di burocrazia. La classifica della Banca mondiale sulle procedure burocratiche e amministrative connesse all’attività d’impresa ci vede al 65esimo posto, fra gli ultimi dei paesi Ocse. Secondo il report, è più facile fare impresa in Botswana, in Ruanda, in Armenia e pure nelle isole Tonga. In Italia, ci vogliono 234 giorni per ottenere un permesso di costruzione. La media europea è sotto i cento giorni. Presentare la dichiarazione dei redditi richiede 250 ore rispetto alle circa 50 ore dei paesi più virtuosi.

Il costo degli adempimenti amministrativi per le imprese italiane supera i 27 miliardi l’anno. Avviarne una nuova costa 2.100 euro, contro una media europea di 370 euro. Perfino l’allaccio a una rete elettrica per un’impresa è complicato: ci vogliono 5 procedure per 124 ore di lavoro. E la burocrazia statale ha introdotto 629 nuove norme fiscali negli ultimi sei anni. Con l’obiettivo di semplificare, ovviamente. La burocrazia non solo costa cara, ma uccide lo spirito d’impresa. Inoltre, il più delle volte finisce per proteggere aziende inefficienti, che scaricano i maggiori costi sui consumatori. Per questo, la riforma della Pubblica amministrazione dovrebbe essere ispirata ai criteri della semplicità, della chiarezza e del pragmatismo.

La Fiat, in questi anni – come del resto tutte le imprese italiane – ha provato più volte, sulla propria pelle, gli effetti negativi di un sistema lento e arretrato, di una burocrazia opaca e contorta, di una giustizia aleatoria. Da sei anni ormai stiamo gestendo una realtà italiana in perdita, ma, nonostante ciò, abbiamo deciso di non chiudere nessuno stabilimento, di non licenziare nessuno, di continuare a investire e di restare comunque in Italia.

Le ragioni per cui lo stiamo facendo sono due. Primo, perché siamo fondamentalmente italiani. Abbiamo una grande storia alle spalle, una tradizione secolare che è parte della nostra natura e che è importante proteggere. Su questa eccellenza, ad esempio, abbiamo centrato la nostra nuova strategia, per valorizzare l’alto di gamma con i marchi Alfa Romeo e Maserati, e per trasformare i nostri impianti italiani in una base di produzione per le esportazioni sui mercati di tutto il mondo.

La seconda ragione è che non si può aspettare all’infinito che sia il sistema politico a muoversi. In tutti questi anni, ho visto cambiare poco o nulla nel sistema-paese. E’ da tempo, ad esempio, che Fiat solleva il problema dell’export e la necessità di facilitare i processi per le esportazioni. Non è successo nulla, finora. Quello che ho detto al Meeting di Rimini, la scorsa settimana, invitando tutti a fare il primo passo, è esattamente ciò che ha fatto la Fiat. Ci siamo mossi da soli. Abbiamo fatto scelte coraggiose e di rottura con il passato per compensare in parte i gap strutturali del paese – compreso uscire da Confindustria – per riacquistare una libertà di contrattazione con i nostri collaboratori. Se fossimo rimasti fermi saremmo probabilmente falliti. O, nella migliore delle ipotesi, avremmo dovuto prendere decisioni impopolari.

Noi, invece, abbiamo cercato da soli di introdurre elementi di modernità nel contesto in cui operiamo. Ma il nostro cerchio d’azione è comunque limitato. E mi rendo conto che non si può chiedere a tutti di fare la stessa cosa, o perlomeno nella stessa misura. Concludo con un consiglio – non richiesto – e con un invito. I “Mille Giorni” sono appena iniziati. Sarà la prova dei fatti a darne un giudizio.

Ci troviamo però con un governo giovane e con un gruppo di persone determinate a scardinare il sistema. Il consiglio che posso dare loro è questo: dalla vostra “to-do-list”, che sappiamo essere lunghissima, scegliete tre cose, realizzatele, e poi passate alle tre successive. L’invito, invece, è quello di dimagrire, di asciugare la presenza dello stato nella vita della gente e delle imprese. Il futuro dell’Italia dipende molto più dalla capacità di rimuovere gli ostacoli dai binari più che da ulteriori ingerenze. Le opportunità e il lavoro si creano solo se i meccanismi economici sono efficienti e gli stimoli del mercato sono forti.

Nel racconto “I Cosacchi”, sulla ricerca della verità e il senso della vita, Tolstoj scrive: “Come sempre suole accadere in un lungo viaggio, alle prime due o tre stazioni l’immaginazione resta ferma nel luogo da dove sei partito, e poi d’un tratto, col primo mattino incontrato per via, si volge verso la meta del viaggio e ormai costruisce là i castelli dell’avvenire”. L’Italia è stata ferma in quella seconda stazione per tanto, troppo tempo. Con questo, auguro a me – a tutti noi – che l’Italia lasci finalmente la stazione di Tolstoj e inizi davvero il suo viaggio verso la modernità e la costruzione di un paese per giovani. Grazie a tutti e buon lavoro.


Chrysler Group LLC Reports September 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 19 Percent; Best September Sales Since 2005

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October 1, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 169,890 units, a 19 percent increase compared with sales in September 2013 (143,017 units), and the group’s best September sales since 2005.

The Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in September compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 47 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand and the brand’s best ever sales in the month of September. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 54-consecutive months.

“Continued consumer demand for our new Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, our Jeep models, and the Ram pickup truck helped Chrysler Group achieve a 19 percent sales increase in September and our 54th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Chrysler Group sales continue to demonstrate strength as we recorded our seventh month of double-digit growth this year.”

Six Chrysler Group vehicles recorded their best ever September sales, including the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler 200 and Ram pickup truck. Sales of the 200 were up 15 percent, compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep and Ram Truck brands recorded the largest percentage sales gains of Chrysler Group brands in September.

Chrysler Group finished the month of September with a 71 days supply of inventory (500,402 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are internally projected at an estimated 16.6 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 47 percent, the brand’s best ever sales in the month of September. The brand’s 47 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. It also was the brand’s 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in each month this year, including the all-time sales record in May. The Jeep Wrangler, Compass and Patriot each logged their best ever sales in the month of September.

Ram Truck Brand
The Ram pickup truck recorded its best ever sales in the month of September. Sales of the Ram pickup were up 30 percent in September, its 53rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Ram Light Duty sales increased 21 percent in September while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 49 percent. Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram ProMaster van and Ram Cargo Van, were up 35 percent in September, the brand’s best September sales since 2005. Cargo Van sales were up 13 percent in September, its best ever sales in the month of September.

With sales of the Ram pickup on a 53-month sales streak, Chrysler Group’s Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan is increasing production. The plant that built back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year winners in 2013 and 2014 will be building an average of an additional 100 vehicles a day or 28,585 more trucks a year to keep up with demand.

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 14 percent, the brand’s best September sales since 2007. The sales increase was driven by the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Sales of the 200 were up 15 percent last month, its best ever sales in the month of September.

Sales of the Town & Country minivan were up 23 percent in September, the minivan’s best September sales in eight years. Continuing to offer the versatility and functionality it is known for, the Town & Country minivan is available in two additional models for 2015: The Town & Country LX offers an exceptional level of standard content at a starting price under $30,000; the Town & Country Limited Platinum builds on the luxury and convenience of the Town & Country Limited.

FIAT Brand
Sales of the Fiat 500 were up 29 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago. It was the 500’s best September sales since 2012. FIAT brand sales, which include the 500 and Fiat 500L, were up 6 percent in September. Sales of the 500L resumed last week following a recall that affected an estimated 29,500 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The knee air bags were replaced in these vehicles.

Dodge Brand
The Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan and Viper each recorded year-over-year sales increases in September. Sales of the Grand Caravan were up 3 percent, the minivan’s best September in two years. The Journey mid-size crossover logged its best September sales in two years as well. Viper sales were up 140 percent in September, reflecting the repositioning of the iconic Detroit-built supercar for 2015. Dodge brand sales were down 9 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago.

The Dodge brand auctioned the first production 707-horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001, the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever, for $825,000 at the Sept. 27 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2014 auction. The auction benefitted Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with significant intellectual disabilities in the Las Vegas area. The Engelstad Family Foundation of Las Vegas matched the auction price, bringing the grand total raised for Opportunity Village to $1.65 million. With their generous donation, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat raised more money for charity than any other car in Barrett-Jackson history.


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