Marchionne or Montezemolo?

I get the Marchionne flaws, but I really see little to complain about. Let's see:

- The product line is spectacular. I really don't see a weak car in the current stable. I must say, many (not all by any means) of cars under Luca were very dull from a styling standpoint (the Enzo and the 355 being two exceptions).
- I'm not a huge fan of the SUV idea, but I'm willing to at least wait and see how I feel when it comes out. Beyond the SUV, there are very strong indications that Ferrari will return to the luxury GT market soon, as well as something very special in the sports car realm (possibly another mid-engine 12). They seem rather open to new product lines in the near future that is very exciting.
- The commitment to technology is stronger than ever. None of us may like the fast evolution of hybrids and electric power plants, but it's happening and nobody will can stop it, including Ferrari. That said, I think there is a commitment to build limited cars to appeal to the classic owner.
- As a recent "new" customer (488 GTB) with another new car in the near future (Pista), I very much enjoy the customer service.
- As an owner of two older cars, I am a proud Classiche client, having one currently being certified (89 329 GTB) and another soon to be (99 355 F1 Berlinetta). People can say what you want about Classiche, but I'm a fan and it has only grown in significance under Marchionne.
- Despite what many say, the truth is that Ferrari under Marchionne has grown its commitment to the vintage owners considerably through Classiche, global events, etc. A good example is what they did at Pebble Beach last year. They are only growing this.
- F1 is improving. Hardly what we all want, but I think it's headed in the right direction.
- The company is rock solid and making money hand over fist. Many may not care about this, but how could that be a bad thing?

Ferrari has always been a growing company and it always will be.

 

What I hate about Marchionne is that the almighty dollar is really the only thing that matters to him. Luca cared about the history, and maintaining what Enzo had built. He understood how important that is to the brand. For Sergio, it's just another car company.

The day that a Ferrari SUV is available for public sale is the day that Ferrari becomes just like everybody else. It will be a very sad day.

 

It’s hyperbole. Sure, Luca cared about the brand but he was a very shrewd businessman and he expanded capacity considerably. I would also add that Enzo himself was quit fond of a robust bottom line as well. I credit both men for being the leaders they were. I don’t really see Marchionne as any different. Every point I made earlier suggests he is precisely the same - deeply committed to the company and brand, and very focused on the business. He operates in a different time. I get that everyone is freaking out about the SUV. But, if you think about it, big deal. Would I rather they don’t produce one? Yes. Do I think it will destroy Ferrari? Come one. Besides, how can anyone know for certain what Enzo or Luca would or wouldn’t do in this age? We can’t. By any measure Marchionne is running a great company. If he was an Enzo protege everyone would likely love him. Ferrari isn’t a tiny boutique car company anymore. It’s a powerhouse and he has a responsibility to run it like one.

 

I do find this intriguing. I’m not sure it’s realistic at all but it would have been great.

 

I agree with many things you state here, but lest we forget that production grew significantly under Luca. Sure he limited production, only after he expanded it to a whole new level.

 

Luca Di ResetToZero!

SV

 

For its this which make the choice very easy. LDM might not have been fantastic overall but at least he had a sense of heritage and what Ferrari is.

 

Luca all the way, unless you happen to own RACE

 

In general, things are going well for Ferrari so it's hard to find fault with Sergio. However, my vote goes to...

Luca!

-F

 

Luca had that “thing” about him that Ferrari has ,that’s the difference.

 

Would I rather the top man had a more “Ferrariesque” persona, sure. But, to me, that “thing” is the product line, the customer service, the engagement, events, commitment to the heritage, racing success. I think they are doing pretty damn well in every category. I have my issues with Marchionne, but he is really running a pretty amazing company.