Fiat boss Marchionne slams entire car industry

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/boss-marchionne-slams-entire-car-industry/
Fiat has been busy over the last couple of days, outlining the future of the car companies that make up its corporate family – Ferrari, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo all had future model plans detailed in a marathon press conference yesterday.

At the same time, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne showed us just what a loveable eccentric he can be, by slamming, well, just about everyone in the industry.

"I used to think that the chemicals industry was the greatest destroyer of capital until I ran into this one," he said. "Now I suppose that it is the banks that have set a new standard for waste. But the level of arrogance in the auto industry is fantastic. There is nothing to be proud of."

He also refused to talk to automotive analysts on the basis that they had slammed the deal that saw Fiat and Chrysler team up last year.

"Analysts have written vitriolic notes which have been hogwash, gadarene discussion, fundamentally offensive... the first time they write these things they should be labelled as inexperienced; the second time they need to be labelled as ignorant."

It is a joy to have someone at the pinnacle of the automotive world who's prepared to speak his mind, rather than diplomatically tip-toeing around the issues facing his company.

Long may you remain Fiat's boss and spokesman, Mr Marchionne.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

I must have been at a different press conference.     http://www.sniffpetrol.com/2010/04/23/fiat-details-future-disappointment-strategy/

Marchhare went on to single out Alfa Romeo as a marque that must build upon its assets and in particular its ability to spend far too long writing cool sounding Italian things on the instruments but then forgetting to do all the chassis settings properly. 'It is a competitive market out there with lots of great premium cars to choose from,' Marchhare said. 'We need to make sure that Alfas attract people with their styling but then, crucially, massively fail them with the half-arsed dynamics and questionable quality. That is what we can offer that our rivals cannot. Disappointment in so many, many ways'.

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

I think your conference took place after Serge had consumed some 'Nasty Pasty' juice.
We need the Shaq at the 6-hour.