The Tesla Mode 3’s profitability sounds too good to be true to some, as Marchionne says FCA could build a rival for the compact electric car – with added Italian flair – if the business “makes sense”.
It’s certain that everyone’s eyes are on Tesla’s $35,000 (based-priced) Model 3, especially as the American company reported that almost 400,000 pre-orders were registered for the vehicle. Speaking with AutoNews at FCA’s annual meeting in Amsterdam, CEO Sergio Marchionne explained that it’s hard to imagine a profitability on Tesla’s behalf after building and shipping the automobiles:
“I’m not surprised by the high number of reservations but you have to then build and deliver them and also be profitable.”
In other words, Marchionne doesn’t see a way to make the Model 3 profitable at $35,000, but he will copy the formula if Elon Musk will prove him wrong:
“[If Elon Musk] can show me that the car will be profitable at that price, I will copy the formula, add the Italian design flair and get it to the market within 12 months.”
When asked if the FCA is late at the “electric party”, Marchionne replied: “better late than sorry.”
Well, that’s settles it; if you want an electric Alfa Romeo or Fiat or whatever, you better hope the Tesla Model 3 will be a huge economic success.
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