The head of the PSA Group says no brands are under threat as the French firm heads into a proposed merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
At the end of October 2019, the two companies officially announced plans to merge, which would effectively create the fourth-largest global OEM in sales terms.
As a reminder, the PSA Group runs the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall brands, while FCA’s portfolio includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati and Ram, with Ferrari spun off from the group in 2016.
According to Automotive News Europe, PSA Group CEO Carlos Tavares – who is in line for the role of CEO of the new, larger company for an “initial term of five years” – told French television station BFM Business the proposed merger would not result in any brands being scrapped.
“It is part of the challenge to properly manage these brands to cover the market,” Tavares reportedly said.
“I see that all these brands, without exception, have one thing in common: they have a fabulous history. We love the history of car brands – it gives us a foundation on which we can project ourselves into the future.
“So today, I don’t see any need, if this deal is concluded, to remove brands because they all have their history and they all have their strengths,” he added.
