Marchionne Says Fiat-Chrysler Could Grow 60% in Five Years

CEO Sergio Marchionne says merging Fiat and Chrysler will create a company that can produce more than 6 million vehicles and perhaps as many as 7 million annually by 2018.

He told Fiat shareholders on Monday he expects to complete the Fiat-Chrysler merger by the end of 2014. The combination will create the world's seventh-largest carmaker.

Marchionne has said previously that a carmaker must be able to make and sell at least 6 million units to compete globally in today's market. Last year Fiat and Chrysler sold a combined 4.4 million vehicles. Marchionne expects gains in Asia and the U.S. to push that volume to at least 4.5 million units in 2014.

Fiat-Chrysler will unveil a five-year business strategy in May to achieve its production target. Marchionne tells reporters the company will be able to finance the program without selling assets or raising new capital.