I truly understand why some US Mopar fans may resent (even sub-consciously) the fact that their favorite car company has fallen under foreign owners. I feel exactly the same way when I buy Italian products from century-old Italian Brands that are no longer in Italian hands. These are names I remember from my childhood, bastions of Italian manufacturing, the pride and joy of Italy. And there are many, including just about every pharmaceutical manufacturer and many heavy industries.
In consumer Brands, some that may be familiar even to US buyers are (Country of ownership in brackets):
High Fashion Brands like:
Valentino (Qatar)
Bulgari and Fendi (France)
Gucci, Brioni and Bottega Veneta (France)
Ferré (Dubai)
Mandarina Duck and Coccinelle (S. Korea)
Shipbuilders like:
Ferretti Yacht (China)
Car and motorbike manufacturers like:
Lamborghini and Ducati (Germany)
Food products giants like:
Buitoni, Perugina, San Pellegrino (all owned by Nestle of Switzerland),
Locatelli Cheese , Parmalat, Invernizzi (France)
Peroni Beer (South Africa)
Olio Sasso, Olio Carapelli, Bertolli (Spain)
Galbani (France)
What can be done about it? Nothing: it’s called globalization. It's today's world, we can't fight reality; we can only accept it. As long as manufacturing is retained in the Countries of origin at the same level as at the time of the acquisition and as long as the new owners invest in expanding the available markets, then there is little harm done, other than to one’s national pride and often there are many positive aspects as far as investments and growth.
In the FIAT-Chrysler instance, it is not a true takeover, but rather a real, solid, mutually advantageous partnership, where both Groups gain synergies, know how and market presence. Nothing is free and some giving is necessary by both partners: it is often the price of survival!
You have to give a little on both sides and open your mind to new ways of doing things, new products for new markets and the presence of foreign accents in your plants. I know: that is what happened to me when my company moved me to the US, 21 years ago. I never looked back and it helped my career. I was accepted by my peers and made to feel part of the team.
Let’s keep a positive outlook as this may be the best chance both companies have ever had to really make inroads in the world markets!