Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – New beginning of two firms towards fully-integrated global automaker
There are many examples all around the world that showed how a powerful company with its powerful strategies can dominate any sector. But what if two powerful companies come together? Well, in this case, it may lead to a new beginning that would be powerful than imagined ever. So, we can say that exactly happened with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Two independent automobiles firms, Fiat and Chrysler merged together and set the new beginning as a fully-integrated global automaker. Today, several leading brands in the automobile industry came under its portfolio. Includes, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, Fiat, and the list continues with many other brands. Presently, it is one of the automakers on the planet that are dominating this sector.
The Backstory Of Foundation
Established in the late 19th century, Fiat is one of the old automakers on the earth. With several up-downs, the firm became a successful automobile company as well, its rise as dominating automakers in the world. Six years ago (in 2014), the new phase of Fiat automobiles had been started with acquiring the Chrysler group’s ownership. Now it is renamed as FCA, stands for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Currently, its two main branches FCA Italy and FCA US handle all-important automotive operations needed to fulfill the requirements of the mass-market.
Both corporate and financial headquarters of the firm are stated in Amsterdam and London respectively.
What leads to the merging of two leading firms?
Though these two firms merged in 2014, it has a long story behind the integration. It started in 2009, it was a tough time for Chrysler. Because the firm was going through bankruptcy reorganization. That time, Fiat owned 20% stakes of Chrysler which later on grew more than 50% in 2012. In 2014, Fiat purchased the remaining stakes and own the firm with 100% stakes. However, the firm was previously known as a SPA Fiat that became FCA on August 1, 2014.
Recently, it signed a combination agreement with PSA related to creating a leading global mobility company. Also, it operates in four international markets NAFTA, LATAM, APAC, and EMEA.
Leading automobile Brands under FCA
As said earlier, several leading brands come under FCA including American, and Italian based automobiles brands. In fact, Maserati is a well-known luxury brand. Here is the list of brands based on the region.
Italian Based Brands- Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, Fiat Professional, and VM Motori.
America based brands- Ram Trucks, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge.
Exploring the business
After integration with Chrysler in 2014, FCA announced five years plan for exploring the business. As per that, the firm focused on increasing sales to seven million units. However, this plan then updated in 2016. Also, FCA focused more on brand Jeep for the global growth of the firm. While Alfa Romeo will compete with Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. The crown brand of the company, Maserati has prepared to compete with other Ultra Luxury brands around the world. However, Ram Trucks remained the same.
FCA’s Achievements
It is known as a unique automobile firm that earlier also manufactured other vehicles rather than its famous luxurious cars. For example, military vehicles, railway engines, as well as aircraft. Apart from that, the firm also had a Ski Resort in the Alps Mountain. Presently, it is the eighth largest automaker on the planet. Also, several brands under the FCA manufactured dominating sports cars.
Moreover, it is also active in the field of advertising and print media. In fact, the firm was a stakeholder in the creation of the largest media group of Italy known as GEDI Gruppo Editoriale. Additionally, it owns industrial subsidiaries Teksid and Comau.
Bottom Line
Last year FCA made several announcements to explore its business further. It includes investment in Michigan for increasing manufacturing units that will create 6000+ jobs. Also, the firm invested in Detroit for its Jeep Manufacturing unit in 2019. Recently, it signed a combination agreement with PSA in 2019. Currently, several leading brands in the automobile industry came under its portfolio such as Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, Fiat, and the list includes many dominating brands. Presently, it is one of the automakers on the planet that are dominating this sector. In March 2020, the firm took the big step to fight against coronavirus outbreaks by shutting down its manufacturing units on a basis of rotation. Shutting down major manufacturing units is considered a great step amid the corona pandemic.
Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.