Jeep boss talks up PSA merger

THE head of Jeep worldwide has reiterated the advantages of the pending merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and France’s PSA Group, saying the individual strengths of each corporation under focused leadership would significantly enhance both entities. 

Speaking to Australian journalists at the Jeep Gladiator international launch in Queenstown, New Zealand, this week, Jeep global president Christian Meunier said that while it was too soon to reveal details due to the pending nature of the merger, each brand within the organisation was looking forward to the deal. 

“I cannot talk for the (PSA) corporation, and the discussion is obviously ongoing between the two groups, but I can say there a lot of progress has been made between the two corporations,” he said. 

“The willingness to make it happen is quite significant. We see a lot of synergies, we see a lot of actions we can take.”

The proposed merged group – owned 50/50 by FCA and PSA – will create the world’s fourth-largest motor manufacturer with annual production of 8.7 million vehicles.

With several years at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, including heading up Nissan North America, Nissan Canada, Nissan of Brazil and (briefly) Infiniti globally, Mr Meunier has worked extensively with Groupe PSA chief executive Carlos Tavares. 

“I have worked with Mr Tavares when I was head of Nissan in Brazil and he was my boss of The Americas,” he said. 

“He’s a superb leader, and outstanding leader, and very driven.

"I think it can really be a great combination between him and Mr Manly – we would have a hell of a duo of executives, if it happens, to lead two very strong corporations. But there is a lot of discussions ongoing.”

Mr Meunier would not be drawn into any other details of the merger, including when it is likely to be completed and announced.

“It’s a complicated issue between the different regions,” he said.

“But both companies are trying to make it happen quickly and in the right way.”

Meanwhile, FCA Australia president and CEO Kevin Flynn declined to comment on implications the merger would have on the Australian side of the business.

“We’re looking forward to it, but I actually do not know anything else beyond what Christian has just said,” he said.

“It is far too early in the piece... and everything I know you probably already know too.”