GENEVA: The late Sergio Marchionne has been picked as the World Car Person Of The Year For 2019 by 80 World Car Awards (WCA) jurors from 24 countries.
At the time of his passing last July, Marchionne was FCA CEO; CNH Industrial chairman; and Ferrari chairman/CEO.
World Car jurors voted for Italian-Canadian Marchionne over several other motor industry executives, engineers, designers and entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe.
The trophy was received by FCA president/CEO Mike Manley on behalf of his former boss.
The award recognises his accomplishment in taking two declining, regionally-focused companies and forging them into one profitable global entity.
In addition, he spun off Ferrari as a highly successful separate business, solidifying the future of that iconic brand. And, shortly before his death, he set FCA on a defined five-year course to ensure its continued success.
Marchionne was — and still is — regarded as one of the ultimate "car guys" of the modern era.
Meanwhile, the World Car 2019 will be announced at the New York Auto Show on April 17.
