Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne

The Fiat and Chrysler CEO is something of a quote-machine, frequently making somewhat impolitic and controversial statements. Reuters reported on one such incident at the Detroit auto show when Marchionne was discussing Alfa Romeo luxury sedans.

"I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't," Marchionne told a room of journalists at the car show. "I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it needs to be a wop engine."

"There are some things that are well-done in Italy."

After reporters registered evident surprise at his use of an ethnic slur, Marchionne turned to one of them and asked, "Why are you surprised?"