If you were wondering when Ferrari would finally break down and build a cash cow SUV, then we almost have an answer. Ferrari will take about 30 months to decide on production.
"We're dead serious about this," Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said earlier today. That's a far cry from what Marchionne was saying just last year when he told reporters that "You have to shoot me first," when asked about a lifted Ferrari.
Marchionne called the vehicle an FUV - Ferrari Utility Vehicle - which would separate it from the Lamborghini Urus, which was previously announced and is expected next year. We guess you'd call that one an LUV, which sounds more friendly than a 650 hp SUV should.
Why the change of heart for supercar maker Ferrari, and for the previously dead set against it Marchionne? He didn't say, but it's likely the popularity of ultra-luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga (and the Urus announcement) proving that there is money to be made.
Marchionne also said that FCA wouldn't consider selling Jeep separately from the rest of the company. That's why they rejected the offer from Chinese automaker Great Wall earlier this year. While such a deal would have a good return immediately, he has to think about the health of what's left of the company. FCA would still like to make a deal and combine with another automaker, but Marchionne said that a deal with Great Wall wouldn't make sense. The companies have no market overlap, and so wouldn't achieve greater scale or cost savings.
You may also like
