Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has
used the company's second quarter results presentation to confirm two
highly-anticipated models will be introduced within six months. Speaking to
investors and the media, Marchionne stated the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be
unveiled in November. It will be followed by the next-generation Ram 1500 will
debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.
Both models are key to the company's bottom line as
Carsalesbase reports Jeep sold 191,788 Wranglers in the United States last
year, while Ram sold a whopping 487,558 pickups.
Besides talking about the two upcoming models,
Automotive News says Marchionne reiterated his plans to step down in the near
future. The executive said he's "not worried about succession" and
his replacement will be selected from a “suitable stable” of people from within
the company. There's no word on who is his top pick but Marchionne's
replacement isn't expected to takeover until early 2019.
Marchionne went on to announce the company will
unveil its new five-year plan early next year. The plan covers 2018-2022 and
the executive believes it will help ensure FCA has a smooth transition when a
new CEO is named.
