“Expect a lot of good news in the future. We are playing a real game with FCA. Today for the first time we have different perspectives: we no longer have to play a game of survival, at the bottom of the table, without knowing if there will be a tomorrow." This was stated by the Fiat president, John Elkann, speaking at the shareholders' meeting.
The CEO Sergio Marchionne echoes the words of the first shareholder: “Now there are no more obstacles to the full integration of Chrysler. Fiat is a company that has fought against internal problems and external difficulties, which has known how to face and overcome obstacles and which today can go on the attack, head on, against the giants of the sector”.
At the rendezvous the Lingotto looks a bit battered, but not too much. Fiat estimates for 2014 trading profit at 3,6-4 billion, net profit at 0,6-0,8, net industrial debt between 0,8 and 1,3 billion euros. Europe will continue to set the pace, which, together with Latin America, “will contribute to the target with around one million units each. In 2014 we expect growth on the American market, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. In Canada, demand should remain stable at last year's record levels”.
Good numbers, especially if you look at the starting point. Fiat and Chrysler in 2003 were respectively in tenth and twelfth place in the ranking of world manufacturers, together they are in seventh place. “At the time they were selling 2,6 million Chryslers and 1,8 million Fiats, which add up to 4,4 million – recalled Marchionne -. The volumes were acceptable, but the difference is that both companies were in deep red, while today they have a profit of 3,4 billion”.
Like the plan. Just like the 2013 final balance, approved by a Bulgarian majority: the balance sheet was approved by the shareholders' meeting with 99,99% of votes in favor 683 million 921.089; against 897.
“I would be naïve – comments Marchionne – if I didn't know that there are emotional aspects not only here in Italy, but also across the ocean, linked to the centuries-old history of the two groups Fiat will be 115 this year, Chrysler 90 next . The feeling may arise that something is lost, but our strength derives precisely from the union of these two realities, each will retain its own identity and make its strengths available to the other”.
But notice the past: attention is focused on the future, also because, underlines John Eilkann, “neither Sergio nor I are nostalgic”.
“Generally speaking, we have all the production capacity to reach 6 million cars”, Marchionne insists, answering a shareholder's question: “Not if we reach 7 million - he says - but with the initiatives that we will announce in May, the limit of 6 million is accessible”.
“We confirm that there are no surpluses in the Italian factories – underlined the CEO -. In Grugliasco we have rehired all the employees plus a thousand Mirafiori units where with the new investments they will all be reabsorbed ".
In short, there is great faith in the group's new industrial frontiers, starting with the new Ferrari-like Alfas ready to challenge Made in Germany: “I've always had great respect for the Germans. The strategy we are working on is the real alternative”.
And it's not just him who believes it, explains the Italian-Canadian CEO, reading a message from a "boy" who works for Maserati. “Once again – writes the worker – you are making us understand that our company is led by people who have a heart and who care about their people. Yes, because today as never before, I feel really proud to be part of this team… You have been consistent and stubborn, you have been stronger than prejudices".
“We are proud – commented Marchionne – to be able to ensure a better and safer future for people like this boy”. And the report by super Sergio, who is not nostalgic but sentimental in his own way, concludes as follows: "I thank the shareholders and also the 300 people of Fiat and Chrysler around the world for the contribution they gave in 2013 and for what they continue to do, every day, for the future of our group”.
