Fiat and Chrysler in bed together?

[So Cal Mark]

say it ain't so! Chrysler ruined Alfa in this country, I hope Fiat doesn't make that mistake again. Here's the link;
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/ ... QQ20090119

[mdrburchette]

Fiat's under a new CEO so I'm hoping he knows what he's doing, although I'm afraid for Fiat. Chrysler's been a sinking ship for quite sometime.

[SpiderHead]

Fiat might actually be a decent match for Chrysler. Daimler thought they could improve Chrysler though improved engineering, and quality. And to be honest, they did. But, thier timing was crap. Better big cars going into an oil crunch/recession was exactly what I would call shit timing. Along comes Fiat, with excess small car production capacity, and a history of licensing tooling, and production to other manufacturers... They buy in when Chysler is extremely cheap, and gain true access to a dealer/service network, not "also run" access like they ran hard into the ground with Alfa.

An ownership stake would keep Fiat on top of the state of affairs not only at Chrysler manufacturing operations, but where the rubber meets the road at the dealerships.

I'm not saying that it is a can't miss proposition... far from it. What I am saying is that because the entry point is very low right now (read cheap)... the shear volume of assets are too attractive (at this reduced price) to ignore.

Fiat would need to stay on top of them, but it could be easier (read cheaper) than trying to set up its own network in the states, and properly managed could do very well!

Some of the shutdown chysler plants could retool while Fiat sells off its own excess inventory in the states. We might then see Fiat production stateside!

-Ryan

[mdrburchette]

I think I also read this is a deal where no cash is exchanging hands, only technology. It may just work out!

[Joe Clemente]

I can't imagine, after its recent restructuring and return to profitability that Fiat would enter such a partnership unless in a position to further its growth. I'm also reading different sources refering to this deal less as a buy in than as a "technology exchange", hence no $ transaction. Hopefully, Fiat will have learned from its past North American experience that it needs a more effective dealer network. Ultimately, whatever the mechanics of it, if it brings a good Alfa and Fiat product back to the continent and puts more of them on our roads giving North American consumers some variety in brand choices, that won't be a bad thing. Sign me up.

[racydave]

I just never thought the words could come out of my mouth, buy a Chrysler??? No offense intended...

[Joe Clemente]

Fiat "MOPARTH"

[So Cal Mark]

I suppose we'll be hearing "my Fiat has a hemi!"

[narfire]

Just don't let chrysler try and put one of their tranny's in a fiat to meet any content rules. I've never seen or heard of a particular brand of transmission grenade with such freqency.

[ga.spyder]

I am currently working out the details to get the Viper V-10 into my Fiat! Yeah,Baby..a Fiper! It was reported last year that Marchione was looking into shut down factories here to retool and produce the 500 stateside.Something like this could be the impetus to make that happen.
Craig
This story was reported on Good Morning America this morning!

[pope]

Fiat will have a 35% stake in Chrysler and take over the design , tooling and production of the small car section of Chrylser. They will have access to several Chrysler plants in which to do this. There is also an option on the table in which Fiat could have as much as 55% stake in the future. This agreement is non binding and would allow either side to exit if it needs to. Fiat will bring along its engineering, car platforms and engines to this market. This is more like a joint operating agreement.

[mbouse]

I am currently working out the details to get the Viper V-10 into my Fiat! !

how about a dual overhead cam 1800cc in a Viper?
great fuel economy...

and, from what i have experienced, there's no such thing as a free lunch. So, just because no money is changing hands, does not mean that Fiat does not chance losing something. Yes, it is a buyers market...but at what price?

Chrysler (and Ford and GM) never learned how to cut costs. it's my understanding that if a UAW worker is let go from one of these plants, their medical insurance continues for TWO years after termination date. Wonder if Fiat read that part of the contract?

and, they can all make any deal they like...does not change the fact that no one is buying cars in the USA.

[lanciahf]

Time to start saving for my new Punto Abarth!!!!

[So Cal Mark]

only it will be rebadged in the US as a Volare

[SpiderHead]

I suppose we'll be hearing "my Fiat has a hemi!"

a Honda CVCC has a HEMI.. lol... fact not fiction.

come to think of it, isn't the TC a HEMI?

Doesn't HEMI just designate an engine with a hemisperical shape to the head portion of the combustion chamber?

How exact does that "sphere" need to be to qualify?

Other than trademark issues, and copywrite infringement issues (read laywer crap)... I'm pretty sure I can just go ahead and plop a HEMI badge on my Spider! lol


-Ryan