Chrysler and Fiat Could Have Separate CEOs Within Two Years

Sergio Marchionne, who runs Italian automaker Fiat and U.S. carmaker Chrysler, said he expects to divide his leadership role at the companies within two years, reported the Associated Press.

Marchionne, installed by the U.S. government as CEO of Chrysler Group LLC following the automaker's emergence from bankruptcy in June, said he was working "24-7" to manage the transfer of technologies from Fiat Group SpA to Chrysler, a key piece of the U.S. company's revival. He declined to elaborate, but indicated he would not keep running both companies simultaneously for an extended period of time.

Marchionne attempted to keep expectations in check, telling the think tank audience that Chrysler's recovery will be gradual and his leadership team was "not planning miracles" but committed to bringing "rapid change" to the automaker. He said Chrysler broke even in September and October and was dedicated to a five-year plan to overhaul the automaker's vehicle lineup and double sales.

He credited the Obama administration with pushing the U.S. auto industry to restructure itself and said European nations need to do more to reduce overcapacity in the industry. In Germany, for example, he said not a single plant had been closed since World War II despite significant technological advances in recent decades.

Chrysler has received roughly $15 billion in aid from the U.S. government and through early November, the Auburn Hills, Mich., car company still had about $9 billion of the funds available. Chrysler has said it intends to repay the loans by 2014.