The "Good" Chrysler Thread: Making Vanilla, Vanilla

[Azuremen]

Thought:

Is it weird if I like the buyer more than that of which it is buying? Its like welcoming your invaders...

No, Chrysler gave us the Sebring. They are lucky anyone buys their crap anymore after that pile of fail.

 

[Philly]

I was surprised it came about that quickly. Obviously Fiat wants to get into the North American market if they partnered up that quick. Not that I fault them, but if I can get a 500 that much sooner... You can bet I'll give one a good lookover when they arrive.

I'm guessing that they've been talking for a while before Autoblog posted that that the two were having talks.

Question is, will they fork over the 4 billion? Will they be excluded from any bailout efforts? Fiat isn't really the richest company in the world either, this could be a tricky deal.

I think Chrysler will probably get the money. They are no less of an asset to the country now than they were before, and it doesn't seem very logical to force a minority stake owner to cover the automaker.

 

[Jim Prower]

I'm hoping a Punto gets a crosshair grill at some time.

 

[nissan tuner]

I dont know how much the build quality will go up on Chrysler's side but an increase in the "Soul & Passion" department never hurts

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm hoping a Punto gets a crosshair grill at some time.

Exact opposite here. Let Chrysler wither and die, and have Fiat eat it from the inside out. I want the real deal.

(Yes, it makes me feel guilty writing it, but I don't know if I could ever see myself buying a Chrysler product... ever)

 

[Nicksfix]

This merger is going to get interesting

 

[Tornado]

I nearly choked when seeing this announced on Autozine. I really wasn't expecting this to happen at all, much less so suddenly.

 

[Leonidae]

So you guys will finally get cars with reliability soul

 

[Sniffs]

wh-wh-wh-WHAT??!

FIAT??!?!

i hope they cleaned up their crap. alpha and fiat have a "mega crap" rep, here let's hope Chrysler didn't just go down the toilet.

one thing to look foreward to
the Nuvo Cincociento may be coming, too!!

 

[YSSMAN]

Good News for (American) Fiat Fans

If some hot new rumors are correct, this week's Chrysler-Fiat tie-up could start to bear some very shiny and round fruit surprisingly soon. According to Motor Trend editor Todd Lassa, Fiat's cuddly 500 is being discussed for possible fast-tracking for American showrooms "in well under 18 months." Interestingly, 2010 is the target US launch date that has been floating around for some time now, but now thanks to the Chrysler-Fiat arrangement, there now seems to be an obvious distribution conduit.

According to MT's source, the retro-minded bubble bauble would arrive in Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep showrooms powered by a 100-horsepower four-cylinder engine and sporting a new front fascia disguising a reconfigured bumper strike beam. Interestingly, Lassa says that the car may be sold only in the U.S. and not Canada because the latter has slightly different impact standards that could be tougher to meet. America's northerly neighbors evidently require that front turn-signal lenses be able to withstand a five mile-per-hour impact without cracking (many such lights are used as government-mandated daytime running lamps) and a modified 500 may still not be able to meet this standard.

We're Coming to America (18 months from now)!

Lemme put it this way, I'll believe it when I see it. Nevertheless, it looks like Fiat is intent on getting to the US market ASAP to sell some cars. Good idea.

 

[Omnis]

Except that if the "Keynesian high" doesn't work this time, FIAT are going to be screwed. Maybe it's all just a way to get on the bailout gravytrain.

 

[Robin]

FIAT aint all that bad these days, when they did the Grande Punto they raised the bar and then with the 500 the raised it even further. Many EU cars use platforms and engines co developed with FIAT.

I would say FIAT is better than Citroens build quality!

Robin.

 

[Philly]

So Chrysler is merging all their dealers and then they are going to be selling FIATs and Alfas at the same place? Those are probably going to gurn out to be some pretty busy places.

So you guys will finally get cars with reliability soul

We already have Volkswagens here...

I would say FIAT is better than Citroens build quality!

Citroens are also French...

 

[Omnis]

It would be cool if Fiat made a "Giant" Panda for the USA-- a slightly bigger version to fit larger American thighs. That could probably sell well.

edit: on second thought... nevermind.

 

[Jim Prower]

That be the Grande Punto, no? :3

 

[Robin]

Yeah, is the Grande Punto not big enough for you guys?

Check out the Abarth concept version if you have time

Robin.

 

[Sniffs]

Robin: did you forget the fit that american fordistas threw over an americanized Mondeo? I still say it's because americans have a larger sense of personal space than the rest of the world.

Besides, the abarth grande Punto would probably be considered a MICROCAR over here, no matter HOW big it is. don't forget, when we have models come over from over in Europe or Japan, they have to be completely re-engineered for our governments mandatory 1000 lbs of safety equipment that gets tacked on.

 

[Philly]

The Grande Punto is about the size of a Golf? Those are small, compact cars over here. The Jazz/Cooper are in the smallest class of cars we get here, aside from the occasional Smart. By far most cars sold are significantly larger, even despite current fuel prices. Cars like the 159 are a lot more suited to American roads.

 

[EA11R]

THAT'S GORGEOUS!

Also, I think I would support a Giant Panda over here.

 

[Hitman]

I read on Yahoo! that Chrysler is killing off the Viper!!! NOOO!!!! Actually, they plan on stopping production, and selling the "Viper blueprints" to some kit car company that will still continue to make them. Chrysler and Dodge just don't want to be the one who killed the Viper.

 

[Moglet]

Good News for (American) Fiat Fans

Wahey! I can imagine how teeeny the 500 will be on US roads! I really want to take mine over there to see people's reactions, would be interesting.

I'm interested in the 'reconfigured strike beam' meaning a new front fascia though, I'm really hoping they don't ruin the looks :/

 

[Omnis]

Yeah, is the Grande Punto not big enough for you guys?

Check out the Abarth concept version if you have time

Robin.

Yeah, but that is a hatch, not a city car/people hauler. I said nevermind because I realized that the car I was describing was actually a Multipla. But, still, it would be nice to see them bring over the Croma and the Grande Punto and stuff. The Multipla probably won't fly because Dodge won't let Fiat encroach on their Caravan.

 

[YSSMAN]

RE: The 500 in the US

They've apparently had test mules here before, and I know the American automotive press has already gone ga-ga over the 500 (the MiTo as well). I'm looking forward to the distinct possibility of it being here, but my primary concern is how much it will be by comparison to the Fiesta, and for that matter, how much it would be to operate. I see by building what I'd want in both cars on their UK websites, there is about a $1000 GBP difference in MSRP... I have no idea if that would actually show up in the US or not.

Nardeli Clarifies Relationship with Fiat:

Nardelli also sought to clarify arrangements in Chrysler's proposed alliance with Fiat. The two companies have signed a non-binding agreement that would give Fiat a 35 percent stake in Chrysler.

"It is important to note that no U.S. taxpayer funds would go to Fiat," the letter said. "The alliance is based on an exchange of equity for assets. Fiat would acquire an equity stake in Chrysler by giving us access to substantially all its vehicle platforms and technologies. This access is of high value to Chrysler, saving us significant costs and years of development time.

*Link

 

[Jim Prower]

Well...looks as if we'll be seeing a Dodge Punto after all...

 

[niky]

So... a Chrysler 500 to go with the 300C?

 

[Moglet]

So... a Chrysler 500 to go with the 300C?

Nooo, it will always be a Fiat whatever the badge!

 

[EA11R]

This is what I was afraid of...

The Dodge Panda!

Just shoot me.

 

[Philly]

So... a Chrysler 500 to go with the 300C?

Nooo, it will always be a Fiat whatever the badge!

Chrysler 100C?

 

[EA11R]

Dodge Passive-Aggressor?

 

[Moglet]

How about the 'Chrysler Aaaaaw'?

Seems to be the reaction that most people over here have to it, and it means you get let out of every single junction