With A Life Line From Fiat, Could These Be The New Faces Of Chrysler?

With A Life Line From Fiat, Could These Be The New Faces Of Chrysler?
Is Fiat the key to Chrysler's salvation? At first glance to the average American buyer it may not be. 

However if you look into the Fiat's extensive portfolio of models they express a wide range of proven vehicles that could be imported fairly inexpensively.  Face it Chrysler for the most part can’t be called exciting, and new Fiat models could help resolve this.  A totally fresh line is exactly what is needed, but Chrysler sadly can’t provide this alone.

While some of you might think that Nissan would be a better fit, you might want to think again. Would you really want to buy a rebadged Versa when you can get the real thing down at the Nissan dealer? 

Probably not.

Look no further than the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix.  Built side by side in the same plant, the Toyota Matrix is far more appealing to most.

So if Chrysler plans to import cars from the Fiat portfolio what can we expect to see?

I’m glad you asked. I cruised through the Fiat press site and snagged several examples of current Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa models and I’m letting you decide what they should bring over.

Fiat

First up is direct competition to the Mini the Fiat 500 sporting base and performance models this one may take a bite out of Mini sales.



The Bravo looks better than a Rabiit



The minivan isn't really dead for Chrysler with the Idea


The Linea might stack up well against the Accord and Camry



The Multipla says RAV4 all over it.



Need a Crossover how about the Nuova?



CRV move over with the Panda



Cutting edge crossover here with the Qubo, who needs a Cube?



Is the Sedici competition to the Subaru Outback?



If a wagon is your thing then the Stilo Multi Wagon is for you.




Lancia

A bit more upscale than Fiat the Lancia lineup may be dipped into for a more upscale appeal.

The Delta might fit in quite nicely



The Phedra has Town and Country written all over it.



Alfa

Think style and performance is dead? Then look no further than Alfa and see what they could provide

The 159 sedan has cutting edge written all over it



The 159 wagon carries the theme into a more practical package for families.



Sporty yet compact the Brera competes well with the Civic Si



With the future of the S2000 on hold, The Spider can fill the void.



The MiTo will make you stand out in the crowd



The GT still looks good in a hard top or a convertible.



Consider yourself the insider on Chrysler's new direction, and give us the nod for the next new models to bear the Chrysler badge.


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M35MTM35MT - 1/20/2009 1:53:40 PM
+4 Boost
some of them look dated...the sedici looks modern


Intensity007Intensity007 - 1/20/2009 2:03:29 PM
+3 Boost
The Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4 crossover are the same car (just in case you didn't know).


Intensity007Intensity007 - 1/20/2009 1:58:02 PM
+1 Boost
This is beginning to look like the start of something major for Chrysler! The executives KNOW they can't afford to screw it up now and after looking at what they will have access to with Fiat, I can't help but get EXCITED about the possibilities!


100tnega100tnega - 1/20/2009 2:26:23 PM
+7 Boost
Wow... Jan 20th is apparently good news day.


AudiphileAudiphile - 1/20/2009 2:27:52 PM
+1 Boost
Using the existing Chrysler dealership network to sell FIAT products would be a godsend for FIAT, but what would be in it for Chrysler? Chrysler would cease to be a manufacturer and become an importer.

I presume that these FIATs, Lancias and Alfas would be sold under their own nameplates. Part of the appeal of these cars would be their Italian flair. Think of it - who would want a Dodge MiTo or a Chrysler 159?

It would be better for FIAT just to strike deals with existing Chrysler dealers, and leave Chrylser out of the equation altogether.


Agent009Agent009 - 1/20/2009 2:44:48 PM
0 Boost
They could work around it by assembling Fiat designs in American factories similar to the Vibe and Matrix.

Fiat has a lot to gain here.


AudiphileAudiphile - 1/20/2009 9:55:13 PM
+1 Boost
There is an additional problem with a FIAT-Chrysler alliance. The entire FIAT family (FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari) and Italian cars in general have a reputation for poor reliability. (Remember the old joke that FIAT stands for "Fix It Again, Tony" or "Fix It Again Tomorrow"?) Chrysler products have the same reputation. Each company's reputation for building lemons would be reinforced by such a merger.


tangotango - 1/20/2009 2:43:08 PM
0 Boost
I think tear-down models could be sent to the US and then the rest of the vehicles assembled after it arrives. That would enable local drivetrains (to suit American tastes) and interior bits (gotta have the cup holders dude!) to be fitted. It's not unheard of. Volkswagen fitted their own engines to their version of the Ford Galaxy, called the Sharan. Ford used their own 4 cylinders but used VW's VR6. I am a bit surprised that VW didn't broker a similar deal with Chrsyler with the Routan. This idea would be a short-term fix, as pressings and so on could be prepared for North American factories.


dumpstydumpsty - 1/20/2009 3:28:08 PM
+1 Boost
So....what's really the benefit of this partnership? After thinking a bit, it seems that FIAT would benefit by being able to sell their small cars in the US (if the US markets really likes them). And Chrysler would be still in the tough position of selling midsized, large cars, SUVs, and trucks....Don't they do that now?

I admit, Chrysler has a way of shaping other platforms into interesting concepts, but they must re-prove their existence in the small & compact car market. And selling "rehashes" of original Italian models when the originals will be available is bit a$$backwards. Their designs have got to be captivating, interesting, and competitive...in a Chrysler-way.


91z4me91z4me - 1/20/2009 4:17:27 PM
+1 Boost
Chrysler could get the low end models of compact/midsize models while Alpha or Fiat remain as high end models. Also just getting some $$$ into the company would help with materials and redesigns.


Agent009Agent009 - 1/20/2009 4:42:26 PM
+1 Boost
Jeep could fills in niches over sea for Fiat as well


mini22mini22 - 1/20/2009 4:40:09 PM
+1 Boost
It would benefit Chrysler in that they could then sell rebadged Fiat Bravos,Gran Puntos and the 500(perhaps). Chrysler is sorely lacking in appealing compact products. This would not affect Jeep,although there could be a Fiat badged Jeep products in the future. The 159 replacement platform could also be used as mid sized Chrysler and Dodge products.Fiat fianlly gains access to US markets,factories and dealer distribution. While there is no certainty on anything,it looks like a promising collaboration. Further allows Chrysler to stay in business.The large cars will probably remain with Chrysler.


Agent009Agent009 - 1/21/2009 8:39:41 AM
+1 Boost
I just took the descriptions from the press website for each model.


LUXCAR32LUXCAR32 - 1/20/2009 5:29:03 PM
+1 Boost
I don't know, isn't Alfa supposed to be coming stateside with a few models within the next couple years? Wouldn't that turn into what you were talking about with getting the real thing instead of a rebadged model? Alfa makes more attractive cars than fiat so I would hope that if this happened they would be based on mostly alfa models. If Fiat buys chrysler it would almost be a better strategy in these times to keep alfa in europe for now and just rebadge alfas as chryslers without the competition of the real thing stateside.


PPowerPPower - 1/20/2009 5:36:24 PM
+1 Boost
Wasn't Alfa Romeo to be sold through Maserati dealerships as well as the Fiat 500? I wonder how or if this will change which lines or models are sold at Maserati dealerships vs Chrysler clones. I can see the Fiat Punto (joint GM platform) and its variants would be most likely. The MiTo might be stylish enough to exist alongside a "Chrysler" version.

in jest, maybe Chrysler can get a copy of the Gran Turismo to replace the old Chryser TC by Maserati.


monkeyrunmonkeyrun - 1/20/2009 6:01:05 PM
+2 Boost
They should just sell Fiat in the US.


StarStar - 1/20/2009 6:43:48 PM
+1 Boost
Agreed.


TheGeniusTheGenius - 1/20/2009 7:05:19 PM
+1 Boost
Fiat makes some sexy cars..and Alfa with a doubt is one of the top 3 brands when you measure sheer style and sex appeal. That said they have a reputation as unreliable shit boxes. For years they were big money losers until a few years ago when they cashed in on the 2Billion option GM had to pay to avoid buying them. (they wanted to be bought by GM...why would anyone?) Anyway, Luca & now Sergio have done a great job, but I don't see this going anywhere. Where are the real synergies? Fiat may actually benefit from this, but how does this help Chrysler? This is basically the equivalent of two drunks holding each other up. They may feel better and look stronger, but you know they're certainly not going anywhere fast...


LauderdaleDriverLauderdaleDriver - 1/21/2009 10:25:55 AM
+1 Boost
Gosh UAW, first time I ever disagree with you so much. Fiats have very high style these days. The 500 may prove to be the biggest chick car in history (chicks have money!) The Lancia line is small, but upscale (biased, own one) and the Alfa line has more style than anyone in their price range.


wooodwoood - 1/20/2009 10:58:50 PM
+1 Boost
Also 8 years ago, it was only a money making exercise for the major stockholders.


Agent009Agent009 - 1/21/2009 8:45:34 AM
+1 Boost
Yes it is an over simplication. However with that being said, there is some merit to it.

Chrysler has almost ZERO cash, certainly not enough to design ANY new cars. Fiat has entered this agreement promising ZERO financial aid.

So the only real option would be to rebadge existing cars at first. This gives Chrysler at least some small cars immediately to market. Now will they be exact clones?

Probably not, but I think more akin to what has happened to the Sedici which is the Suzuki SX4 over here.


Type707Type707 - 1/20/2009 11:05:21 PM
+2 Boost
The first 10 cars are made for midgets. Plus their grills look like Cameltoes


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/21/2009 8:28:56 AM
+1 Boost
There's a hint of -Mooseknuckle- in those cars aswell.


rxbkrsrxbkrs - 1/21/2009 9:19:43 AM
+1 Boost
What about the Grande Punto?


LauderdaleDriverLauderdaleDriver - 1/21/2009 10:22:56 AM
+1 Boost
The companies are a good fit. Daimler-Benz starved Chrysler nearly to death, giving it only some left-over E class bits and the old SLK platform. An infusion of new small cars would be perfect to compliment the still excellent stable of trucks, minivans, and of course, the valuable Jeep line.
Fiat needs access to North America, but importing inexpensive cars from Euro-land is a losing proposition (Saturn Astra). Making Fiats in Chrysler's shuttered factories would be a good for all.
Now, if they just get Alfa back, I'll order that spyder I've been wanting for years.....


NItePhireNItePhire - 1/21/2009 11:08:58 AM
+1 Boost
They could have just gave me 35 percent of their company and I would have given them nothing as well. This makes no since to me at all. Ok yeah I know they really have no overlap which is good but No one wants an Alpha here anymore and no one wants a Chrysler anywhere else. I feel that they would have been better served by having someone to give them actual money instead. By the way since they are now owned 55 percent by foreigners I don't want them to have any more money from the bail out.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/21/2009 11:54:27 AM
+1 Boost
Hooked-on-"F"onics worked for you it looks like. I'd take an Alfa 159 in a heartbeat, so long as there was a good dealer service and parts infrastructure in place.


no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 1/21/2009 11:17:50 AM
+1 Boost
I just got back from Italy and drove a four door Punto for 10 days, Other then it being extremely underpowered, and lacking some amentities like decent size cupholders and an armrest, its a pretty competent car. A major issue I forsee it drving in the snow, those 13 inch tires did not hold over so well when I was driving in Maranello.

The Bravo is a very good looking vehicle, and would def be succesful here, the Panda has no chance, the 500 may have a niche market. But, those Alfa's def make a statement, especially the wagons.




rxbkrsrxbkrs - 1/21/2009 4:41:27 PM
+1 Boost
The Grande Punto Abarth would be a nice addition...


KrazeedddKrazeeddd - 1/22/2009 12:05:09 PM
+1 Boost
While it is unfortunate that those few Americans that even rember Fiat is in the car business see them as POS's the deal has many good points.

In about 2 minutes Jeep production could sore as the Brand will sell overseas very well in Fiat's hands (with Jeep badges still on it). Selling American cars in most of the world outside of western Europe involves almost no redesign, testing etc. Leave off the Cat and your done.

Selling Fiat's here as Dodges (hello Plymouth?) will take at least a year if lucky and significant money. Most will take more like 3 years and the Feds will probably close the bank by then.

Let's hope they can sell enough Jeeps's to make this work.


JordanskiJordanski - 1/23/2009 1:05:37 AM
+1 Boost
captive imports & brand engineering piss me off
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