Will global car makers be forced to merge to survive the onslaught?

Exotica · 12-09-2008, 10:58 AM

Fiat CEO announced today that he would be open to a partnership or merger.

"The only way for companies to survive is if they make more than 5.5 million cars per year," Sergio Marchionne told the European edition of Automotive News, an industry publication.

"As far as mass-producers are concerned, we're going to end up with one American house, one German of size; one French-Japanese, maybe with an extension in the U.S.; one in Japan; one in China and one other potential European player."

Although Marchionne did not name the companies, those whose production levels reach that number include Toyota Motor Corp , General Motors , Volkswagen, Ford Motors and Renault-Nissan.

Tallest · 12-09-2008, 11:18 AM

answer to your question is a resounding YES.

BMW will join with Merc down the road.

Exotica · 12-09-2008, 11:23 AM

I hope not, Mercedes are not what they used to be.

UltimateBMW · 12-09-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 320what

answer to your question is a resounding YES.

BMW will join with Merc down the road.

wtf?

A///MG?

lyndon_h · 12-09-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 320what

answer to your question is a resounding YES.

BMW will join with Merc down the road.

If that happens, you better hope that BMW's management makes the decisions. You see what Merc did to Chrysler. Bought it for 36Billion and sold if for 6Billion.

.:bHd:. · 12-09-2008, 02:44 PM

I think by merging he meant they'll share factories and stuff. I doubt they'll make cars under the same name.

Exotica · 12-10-2008, 03:14 AM

According to AM’s analysis, brands with a large ‘family-owned’ stake are at most risk – including BMW and Peugeot-Citroen, which could be put up for sale by the Quandt and Peugeot families. Fiat is also considered vulnerable.

12-09-2008, 10:58 AM	#1
Exotica Lieutenant 82 Rep 533 Posts Drives: People Mad Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The British Empire. Where The Sun Never Sets On Us. iTrader: (0)	Will global car makers be forced to merge to survive the onslaught? Fiat CEO announced today that he would be open to a partnership or merger. "The only way for companies to survive is if they make more than 5.5 million cars per year," Sergio Marchionne told the European edition of Automotive News, an industry publication. "As far as mass-producers are concerned, we're going to end up with one American house, one German of size; one French-Japanese, maybe with an extension in the U.S.; one in Japan; one in China and one other potential European player." Although Marchionne did not name the companies, those whose production levels reach that number include Toyota Motor Corp , General Motors , Volkswagen, Ford Motors and Renault-Nissan.
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12-09-2008, 11:18 AM	#2
Tallest Major General 1316 Rep 6,318 Posts Drives: 911 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 911 [10.00]	answer to your question is a resounding YES. BMW will join with Merc down the road. __________________ 997.2 F30.F11.E86.E90.E90.E36
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12-09-2008, 11:23 AM	#3
Exotica Lieutenant 82 Rep 533 Posts Drives: People Mad Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The British Empire. Where The Sun Never Sets On Us. iTrader: (0)	I hope not, Mercedes are not what they used to be.
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12-09-2008, 02:44 PM	#6
.:bHd:. Major 339 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	I think by merging he meant they'll share factories and stuff. I doubt they'll make cars under the same name. __________________
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12-10-2008, 03:14 AM	#7
Exotica Lieutenant 82 Rep 533 Posts Drives: People Mad Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The British Empire. Where The Sun Never Sets On Us. iTrader: (0)	According to AM’s analysis, brands with a large ‘family-owned’ stake are at most risk – including BMW and Peugeot-Citroen, which could be put up for sale by the Quandt and Peugeot families. Fiat is also considered vulnerable.
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