Mike Manley, the now former CEO of Jeep & Ram Trucks, has been urgently appointed as CEO of the entire Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) company. The reason for the urgent appointment is the deteriorating health of Sergio Marchionne. Marchionne’s health is reportedly worsened after a complication that followed an operation on his shoulder. The exact cause has not been reported, but possibilities could include an infection. The company only said that Sergio Marchionne will not be able to return to work.
This sad news comes on the hills of a recent future plan that Sergio Marchionne announced on June 1st, 2018. The so-called 2022 plan outlines future product plans for the FCA company, including a focus on Ram trucks, Jeep, and electrification of many other FCA brands/vehicles.
You may know Mike Manley as the CEO who has recently successfully launched the next generation of the iconic Jeep Wrangler (JL). Wrangler sales are currently higher than they have been in many years. Mr Manley is also responsible for launching the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (DT). While the new Ram has recently hit some production capacity snags, the truck has also been well received by the market.
Does this mean that overall focus of FCA will become Ram Trucks and Jeep? Indeed these two brands are very successful, and further focus on this will mean that truck and Jeep consumers and enthusiasts will see more options, choices, and developments.
FCA has already promised the new 2020 Ram HD, Jeep truck, Ram Rebel TRX, and a new midsize Ram truck that should all arrive by 2022.
Who will replace Mike Manley as the CEO of Ram and/or Jeep? This place seems to be a natural fit for the current Ram President – Jim Morrison.
What does it mean for the car brands in United States and across the globe? Will Fiat remain in the United States? Will Dodge car offerings shrink? Will Chrysler brand survive?
