There are reports saying that about 20 engineers from Fiat have visited Chrysler headquarters to commence merging procedures for the departments of product planning. Within 18 months we will be seeing the present Fiat cars going on sale as Chrysler models after it meets US federal regulations on homologation.
Changes include the re-engineering of the airbag with consideration of passengers without seat belts, a modification of the bumper to withstand a 2mph impact without sustaining damage, powertrain adjustments for lower emissions, and impact retesting of the sides. Granted that Chrysler can come out of Chapter 11 there are currently six Fiat models set to be available in 2011, with 2012 as the year set for the arrival of volume products.
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