Chrysler-Fiat???

[tommyj]

On Inauguration Day, it was announced that Fiat will take a 35% stake in Chrysler with an option to buy another 20% (from Daimler? - they still have 20%). Fiat intends to use the Chrysler dealerships to introduce its vehicles into the US for the first time since they pulled out in 1983. I looked at Fiat's website (www.fiat.com) and some of the vehicles look very impressive! Instantly, I recognized that the Fiat line fills a glaring hole in Chrysler's product line (namely fuel efficient small to midsize autos). Yesterday, Chrysler's president said they would be selling a Fiat within two years. Any thoughts/comments on the matter?

 

[belamy]

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[GL]

i think the merger could work and yes it would allow them to come back to the u.s. and bring with them some interesting automobiles. the partnership would give chrysler access to fiat's compact to mid-sized platforms, transmissions and engines. not to mention it would be a launching point for alfa romeo, which is a division of fiat to come back to the states!

 

[tommyj]

Yes - I agree. Also would increase distribution channels for Chrysler overseas using the Fiat dealer network. Fiat also owns Maserati.

 

[GL]

i believe fiat also owns ferrari. there was talk at one point of bringing the alfa 8c to the states (i believe there are actually a few hundred here) via the ferrari/maserati dealerships. evidently they tabled that until 2010.

regardless i'm all for it if it keeps chrysler afloat. i'm very fond of the dodge challenger but would be afraid to buy one if i knew that dodge/chrysler was going under.

 

[tommyj]

i believe fiat also owns ferrari. there was talk at one point of bringing the alfa 8c to the states (i believe there are actually a few hundred here) via the ferrari/maserati dealerships. evidently they tabled that until 2010.

regardless i'm all for it if it keeps chrysler afloat. i'm very fond of the dodge challenger but would be afraid to buy one if i knew that dodge/chrysler was going under.

Yes, you are correct, Fiat also owns Ferrari. I think the Fiat arrangement gives Chrysler viability into the future.

 

[chatolandia]

I hope it works better than the Mercedes deal

 

[tommyj]

I believe it will - Mercedes just was too disparate for Chrysler. Fiat is a much better fit.

 

[tommyj]

Looking at the website my two faves are the Linea and the Palio Weekend.

 

[torontoguy22]

I'm happy about it! I'm Italian so I gotta support an Italian company in the face of everything being "made-in-China." Plus, I'm glad to see they'll be bringing smaller, greener cars to North America! I hope they start selling a new model of the Cinquecento! I might actually get my license if they do!

 

[DrakeCKC]

American Motors/Renault

Chrysler/Daimler Benz

Chrysler/Fiat

Let's hope 3rd time is the charm for US/Europe Car alliances.

 

[Horschallen]

Sounds like an interesting move. Hope it turns out well. We need more variety of cars than just those expensive gas guzzling SUVs which most carmakers have been pushing these last few years.