7 billion since its exit from Chapter 11 on June 10

Some liken the Fiat bet one of the first "Savior" of Chrysler, Lee Iacocca, in the 1980s. Five months after the creation of the new group Chrysler, reduced its debts after his under Chapter 11 "surgery", the boss of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, yesterday presented its plan to revitalize the most fragile of the Big Three in Detroit.

Already widely anticipated by the American press, the five-year plan a return to profitability by the end of 2011 and a return to balance next year. Despite the skepticism of some analysts on the capacity of relief of the constructor, whose sales fell 42 pace annual (fall 9 market share, i.e. less than Honda), the Italian group is strong to Chrysler on track by benefit from its experience in clean technologies and by reducing its costs drastically.

"Most of you have underestimated the substantial reduction of fixed costs to the old Chrysler." "The new Chrysler is incredibly efficient," launched yesterday Sergio Marchionne analysts gathered at the headquarters of the group in Auburn Hills, Michigan. With reserves $ 5.7 billion of cash, Chrysler has already increased by $ 1.7 billion since its exit from Chapter 11, on June 10.

Three common platforms

Reduced its debt and part of its industrial assets, "new Chrysler" intends to launch some 21 new models, codéveloppés with Fiat, to here to 2014, through the sharing of three common platforms. And, without delay, the new Fiat 500 will be launched in the United States in urban areas. With its plan of cost reductions, it is estimated that now strike the balance with a target of annual sales of 1 million vehicles, each additional tranche of 100,000 vehicles sold representing a potential profit of $ 1 billion. The boss of Fiat established a U.S. market of 11 million vehicles sold in 2010, a rather realistic prognosis from the low point current.

After 20 of Chrysler capital, without payment of cash, the Italian group is already engaged in a profound restructuring of management of the constructor teams. Lancia in Italy former, French Olivier François was appointed head of the Chrysler brand, replacing the American Peter long At the same time, the Dodge brand to Ralph Gilles has been split into two: Dodge Ram Pickup and Dodge sedans for. Alone, the Dodge brand will launch 11 new models (or entirely restylés vehicles) by 2014. However, the Jeep brand is led by Michael Manley who also was appointed responsible for international (outside North America) and the distribution of Chrysler vehicles through the international network of Fiat.

A priori, the boss of Fiat, deemed to be a strong supporter of the social dialogue, enjoys support from trade unions and the influential patron of the UAW, Ron Gettelfinger. But he must also convince American consumers that Chrysler and Dodge trademarks can be revitalized, there where German Daimler, former owner, has failed. As Fiat, he must win the good graces of the same Americans and to forget the bad reputation of its models for reliability in the past, which had earned him little enviable nicknames.