Sergio Marchionne Passes, but Dodge is Stronger Than Ever

The auto industry lost one of its all-time greats when FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne died last Wednesday, but we won’t forget him.

For fans of the automotive industry in general, this is a very sad time. Because Sergio Marchionne, former CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, NV (FCA) tragically and unexpectedly passed away on July 25, 2018 following complications from shoulder surgery. Marchionne’s accomplishments in the auto industry are only matched by his unwavering dedication and fiery personality. But for us Dodge fans, one accomplishment stands far above the rest, obviously.

The 66-year old turnaround artist is famously credited for helping to first save Fiat, then purchase and save Chrysler from extinction. But he also took both automakers from the verge of bankruptcy (and actual bankruptcy) and turned them into flourishing, profitable, competitive companies. He was also the catalyst behind transforming Dodge from an afterthought into a unique, driving force in the auto market.

Under Marchionne’s watch, exciting cars like the Hellcat Charger and Challenger and the Demon single-highhandedly reclaimed dominance in the muscle car market. Then he successfully spun Ram into its very own brand. Of course, all of those vehicles have been showroom successes. But they’ve also changed the way we perceive Dodge as an automaker. It sports a new attitude. An edge even. Something that makes you want to drive a Dodge, and doing so makes you a badass.

And all along, Marchionne did things his way. He famously zeroed on the little details that most CEOs don’t bother with. Even things like door latch defects on the then-new Dodge Charger. He built a reputation for wearing non-flashy clothes and working around the clock. And even in the end, he reportedly shrugged off a serious illness for over a year, all the while continuing his work and building a succession plan.

They certainly don’t build auto industry execs like Sergio Marchionne anymore. And likely for good reason. After all, who has the gall to dedicate everything they have to a company. Including their health and even their very lives? In the end, this man’s accomplishments might not have been worth it, because you can’t put a price on life. But at the very least, we can be thankful for what Sergio Marchionne did for the industry we love so much.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.