Marchionne to Speak at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

The Italian White Knight in Fiat armor for American manufacturer Chrysler has accepted the invitation submitted by the Economic Club of Chicago (ECC) and will be the quest star at the group's Chicago Auto Show meeting in February 2010. Marchionne's appearance at the event is even more important as Chicago is the place where Chrysler feel at home and, at the same time, the place where it sets up its biggest display.

“We are pleased and grateful that Mr. Marchionne has accepted our invitation,” Grace Barry, ECC president said in a release. “The auto show luncheon meeting has become one of our organization’s most popular events, set with the backdrop of the nation’s biggest auto show. We look forward to adding Mr. Marchionne’s name to the list of prestigious guest speakers we’ve enjoyed over the years.”

“The attention Sergio Marchionne and his Chrysler team generated at its recent Business Plan meetings in Auburn Hills demonstrates the intense interest in the direction of this company. Like the rest of the business world, we’re eager to hear more about the exciting turnaround of Chrysler and his vision for the future,” John Phelan, Chicago Auto Show chairman added.

Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler's CEO since June this year, has recently unveiled the American manufacturer's five-years revival plan, a plan which, although it seems spectacular, has drawn its share of critics from several marking figures in the US. Some, like Senator John McCain, still haven't passed their initial anger with this year's bankrupt manufacturers.

"I don't think we ever should have bailed out Chrysler and General Motors," McCain said. "We should have let them go into bankruptcy, emerge and become viable corporations again."