Just last week, Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller rejected FCA boss Sergio Marchionne’s idea of merging the two titanic companies. After a the company’s annual news conference in Wolfsburg, however Mueller mentioned that the brand is open to discussions regarding a possible merger with the Italian house.
Those of you who are aware of Marchionne’s philosophies should know that he strongly advocates merging of the automobile industry in order to share technologies and production costs with the hope of creating cleaner and more affordable cars.
“It would be very helpful if Mr. Marchionne were to communicate his considerations to me too and not just to you,” Mueller said to make a critical statement towards the FCA boss’s initial statements of a possible merger and how such things should be discussed privately and not to the public.
Mueller initially ruled out the possibility of a merger due to how busy the brand was with finding a resolution for the emissions scandal.
If these two conglomerates were to join forces, it could theoretically result in a European market share of 30% and give Volkswagen a much stronger foothold in the North American market. FCA would benefit by strengthening its presence in Asia. As with any merger, however job cuts would be evident.
As mentioned, Mueller has merely mentioned that Volkswagen is open to discussing a possible merger. Anything beyond this is not confirmed at this stage.
