Connect with us

SERGIO MARCHIONE,
RIP: REVELING IN PRODUCT

News

SERGIO MARCHIONE,
RIP: REVELING IN PRODUCT

My first automotive press trip was for the introduction of the then-new Dodge Neon, an intriguing, attractive adaptation of the compact 4-door formula by none other than Chrysler Corporation. Although Chrysler didn’t have the global footprint of Ford or GM, its numerous alliances should have suggested success when building small cars. But until the Neon the promise of relevant, compelling product had been a decidedly empty one.

Fast forward a quarter century. Chrysler is in bankruptcy, the economy is in a downturn, and Fiat’s chairman, Sergio Marchione, is both strategic and opportunistic. The resulting corporate marriage, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, was born of Marchione’s unique mix of optimism and desperation. Thankfully for the thousands employed by FCA – and the millions enjoying its varied offerings – optimism won.

In Marchione’s automotive career he made an impact on virtually everything he touched. As a fan of most of what Fiat Chrysler constitutes, I was encouraged by the return of Fiat and Alfa to the U.S., while disheartened to see Fiat stumble; Alfa Romeo remains a work in progress. Maserati has established market momentum, Ram is swinging for the fence and Jeep sales don’t appear to have a fence. In the here-and-now Marchione was riding high, with an expansive view of the present and an expensive preview of the future.

The automotive industry is as capital-intensive as any, and Marchione fully understood the challenges of car companies never allowed to rest on past or current success. While paying close attention to the present, he never stopped pitching. And while some – specifically, the many he fired – would perceive him as ruthless, many successful execs have climbed the corporate ladder with one hand on the next rung while the other firmly clutches a scalpel.

Complications arising from an earlier surgery led to Marchione’s sudden passing. Happily, his aggressive pursuit of success was Marchione’s foundation for living. And in his 66 years, he packed in 86.

Boldt, a contributor to outlets such as AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book and Autoblog, brings to his laptop some forty years of experience in automotive retail, journalism and public relations. He is a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association, The Washington Automotive Press Association and L.A.'s Motor Press Guild. David is the Managing Editor of txGarage, a regular panelist on the AutoNetwork Reports webcast/podcast, and the automotive contributor to Dallas' Katy Trail Weekly.

More in News

Looking for local events?
Check out our Event Calendar!

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting content and updates from TXGARAGE to your email inbox.

epidemic sound affiliate link

Soundtrack like a pro, without breaking the bank.
MUSIC FOR CONTENT CREATORS

To Top