Marchionne appeared at the Detroit car show with the look of an old fortune-teller, and predicted a new partnership on the European market in order to boost up the disappointing situation. Although the sober, but striking, entrepreneur swear of his new glasses, he appeared in Detroit with a beard and scarf to show that he is ready for the winter… Marchionne told the American press he is happy with the current results in the USA, but at the same time he predicts that 2012 will be a difficult year. Especially the European division can use the so called ‘Egg of Columbus’ in order to get through 2012.

According to Marchionne a new boost for the European division can be found in a new collaboration with other European car builders who are also struggling against the VAG concern, who have a market share of almost 25%. Last year, Marchionne was already talking about a possible partnership with a French brand. Considering that PSA and Renault are also having difficult times at the moment it is quite possible that this collaboration will be reconsidered. Marchionne said it won’t be a simple solution, but that is exactly where the patriarch of the car industry is at its best.

Marchionne also said that FGA will strengthen its self by building Alfa Romeo’s in America, this will be an important step in the process of building a strong Italian car branch. Jeep and Alfa Romeo will become global eye catchers of the Italian-American car manufacturer. Because these are the most recognisable brands within the group (apart from Maserati and Ferrari), says Marchionne.