Fiat SpA Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne plans to take charge of Chrysler LLC after it emerges from bankruptcy within the 60-day time frame set by President Obama’s administration.
“Chrysler is on track to re-emerge from bankruptcy in 60 days,” Marchionne said in an interview. “I will become Chrysler CEO after that.” The idea has been discussed in meetings with the Treasury, he said.
The Italian carmaker, having come to the rescue of Chrysler, is interested in acquiring Swedish carmaker Saab Automobile as Marchionne tries to assemble a global auto group, including GM’s Opel and Vauxhall operations in Europe and Latin America. Saab sought protection from creditors Feb. 20 after General Motors said it would sever ties with the unit by 2010 as part of its own reorganization.
While Marchionne has previously expressed his interest in GM’s Opel and Vauxhall brands in Europe, this is the first time he has said he also wants Saab.