One boss for Chrysler, Fiat in SA
2012-07-12 14:02
NOW (OFFICIALLY) IN SOUTH AFRICA: Fiat and Chrysler have announced the extension of their partnership in the South African market.
Video
Italian automaker Fiat rolled out a introspective 90-second video for its new Panda, inspired by Chrysler's gritty "Made in Detroit" video, aimed at tapping into the austerity zeitgeist.
The managing director of Chrysler South Africa, Trent Barcroft, has also been appointed CEO of Fiat in South Africa, the companies have announced.
The announcement is the first South African corporate move in gaining synergies between the two companies since Fiat acquired a 58.5% of Chrysler.
Barcroft will manage both companies locally, in line with the group’s global operations. He has been the MD of Chrysler SA since 2009 but has spent 30 years with the American brand.
FAR-REACHING EFFECTS
Barcroft said: "The local moves to maximise synergies between the two companies is an important step within the global parameters of the Fiat-Chrysler deal and will benefit both enormously. The operational efficiencies are a natural gain but the additional experience and resources we will be able to share will have knock-on effects that will ultimately benefit customers."
The current MD of Fiat Group Automobiles SA, Oscar Rivol, will take up a position within the Europe, Middle East and Africa region based in Turin, Italy.
He said: "It's an incredibly exciting time for Fiat and Chrysler as we combine efforts to create a truly world-class motor company. This is going to have immediate and long-lasting benefits in South Africa for all our customers, dealers and suppliers."
