Marchionne said FCA would first focus on a 48 billion euro ($52 billion), five-year investment plan centered on turning Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Maserati into global brands. Once implemented, the dynamics of the discussion with a potential partner "will completely change," he added.
Analysts have raised concerns about FCA's ability to execute the plan, given its net debt of 7.85 billion euros, product delays and persistent weakness in Latin America, only partially offset by a recovering car market in Europe and firmer margins in FCA's North American business.
While confirming overall targets until 2018, Marchionne said FCA would present an updated product plan in January to reflect changes in the market, including slowing growth in China.
"The model plans will not change, but we need to adjust the timing," Marchionne said, adding that not doing so would have been "suicide".
These may include some Alfa Romeo and Maserati product launches being delayed and the sales target for its popular Jeep sport utility vehicles being raised. Marchionne added that capital expenditure for 2016, which was supposed to be the peak spending year of the plan, would likely be reduced.