Today was Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' earnings report day and the results for the past year was a bit mixed.
FCA reported a profit of 377 million euros (about $410 million) for 2015. This is a large decrease compared to the 632 million euros (about $689 million) profit for 2014. FCA attributes the decrease to investment costs and a large number of recalls on their vehicles.
For the year, FCA said reported adjusted earnings increased 39 percent to 5.3 billion euros (about $5.75 billion) thanks to a strong performance in North America and a European market that is recovering. Total global deliveries for 2015 were 4.6 million vehicles. This is in line with 2014, but falls slightly short of FCA's goal of delivering 4.8 million vehicles.
Along with the announcement of earnings, FCA has updated its five-year business plan. Here are the highlights:
- FCA will be shifting North American production capacity to produce more SUVs and trucks. The reasoning behind this comes down to the company believing low fuel prices will be “permanent” and expects the trend of consumers going toward utility vehicles and pickups to continue.
- This move will affect the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne both “will run their course,” likely meaning we will not see a second-generation of either model.
[*]Alfa Romeo's product plans has been realigned once again (insert shocked face here -WM)
- Reason for this comes from "uncertainties" in China and giving the brand extra time to "guarantee proper global distribution network execution."
- Manufacturing, product investment, and R&D investments slimmed down till 2018.
- The planned product lineup (including a hatchback, full-size sedan, two utility vehicles, and two speciality vehicles) will now be completed by mid-2020
- The Guila is still planned to go into production and launched this year.
- A midsize utility vehicle will be launched late 2016/early 2017
[*]The next-generation Jeep Wrangler will be coming out in 2017 with a variety of new powertrains and a pickup version. 2018 will see a mild-hybrid and diesel powertrain options being available. 2022 will see a full-hybrid Wrangler. This is part of a plan to meet new regulations. [*]Ram is also expected to get a mild hybrid system sometime in 2020 or so
- This move will affect the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne both “will run their course,” likely meaning we will not see a second-generation of either model.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2, The Detroit News
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