Sergio: Chrysler to be profitable, public

Sergio Marchionne was quizzed about Chrysler during Fiat’s sales teleconference. He said that Fiat had provided minicar underpinnings already; and that Chrysler will provide midsized and full-sized car platforms to Fiat / Alfa Romeo (possibly both the LX, and possibly the J and LX; he did not specify).  Marchionne said that many had underestimated Chrysler’s expertise in mid-sized and large cars.

Marchionne said that Chrysler and Fiat were integrating, that Chrysler had a strong management team, and that Chrysler would become profitable. He said that Fiat will most likely spin off its automotive operations as a public corporation; and that Chrysler itself would likely go public within 30 months, as it turned itself around in an improving economy.

Chrysler’s board will meet for three days next week.