FIAT / CHRYSLER 'Strategic Alliance'

oh and

Forgot to add by all accounts Daimler is practically BEGGING ANYONE to take that ~20% of Chrysler off their hands, I believe they are valuing it at zero as well... I believe they would give it away if anyone wants it... so that too may bode poor for the prospect of a "Smart X" anyway...

But don't count an X revival in some form out "forever". I don't think that it would ever happen any year soon, but, it's not out of the question that it might happen SOME day... One thing I DID learn about Fiat during that whole X1/99 thing was, there are a lot of X1/9 fans who still work at Fiat... maybe even a few in high places?... so you never truly know...

Even if they did someday I kind of doubt they'd call it "X1/9" though... probably something else... but still a car of similar (mid engine slot car) spirit
 
IT doesn't have to be called an X

What I think I mean (and that changes with my beer intake) is the fitting of a Fiat engine and gearbox into the Smart Roadster and re-launching it as a Smart Roadster (through Chryser dealers).

I've driven a 1400 cc Turbo Petrol Fiat Bravo and that engine would be a joy in the Smart. Based on power to weight etc, I think a 0-60 time of less than 7 seconds is possible. Plus the Smart already handles brilliantly. It would be a modern version of the X - priced similar to the Miata.

The mid engined Smart failed (IMO) because it was underpowered and the Gearbox was major crappola.
 
well

I'd have to take your word for those things because I've never seen the Smart Roadster myself but I can say the whole combo seems pretty far fetched from where I'm sitting, if for no other reason than I just can't see Daimler (they do own the Smart brand now right?) wanting to touch that with a thousand foot pole... Who knows though, I'm no expert, just guessing from the sidelines...
 
Looking at the Fiat.com website, I see that Fiat has integrated the Microsoft hands-free platform into their cars.

In North American Ford products this platform is marketed as Sync. In Fiats it's called "Blue&Me."

This system ought to appeal to the younger driver and from a practical perspective it does get good reviews from Consumer Reports reviewers.
 
telematics

There was at one point a few(?) new Fiats running around Seattle because they were testing & promoting the development of that system over at Microsoft, it was discussed on N54 at the time...

As an aside, they really need to change that name "Blue&Me" it makes no sense now that they changed all the badges to red again... (that is why they called it that right, because the Fiat logo was blue at the time? what I heard anyway...)
 
A few things:
ezitag: Ford is in MUCH better shape than either GM or Chrysler at the moment. Ford did not take any of the bailout money and is already working in bring it's European range to the US (Global Focus, Fiesta, next Fusion will be based on Mondeo, and even the Ka, which is shared with the 500, might make it)

Smart Roadster:
Forget about it. Smart/Daimler sold all the tooling for it to Project Kimber in 07, but it seems the project died. They were going to build them and sell them as AC, but it seems as the project was shelved.
 
Mac said:
As an aside, they really need to change that name "Blue&Me" it makes no sense now that they changed all the badges to red again... (that is why they called it that right, because the Fiat logo was blue at the time? what I heard anyway...)
Click to expand...

Maybe the Blue is for Microsoft?
 
not sure

Kinda doubt it but can't say I "know". The automaker typically is the one giving 'marketing names' to their nav systems? Anyway I forget where I ever heard that but someone had mentioned to me once that was why 'blue' had been incorporated in...

Who really knows? I just want the damn Fiats to get here! :excited: :italia: ;)
 
Mac said:
a famous pirate? (rimshot)...:tomato::D ;)
Click to expand...

OT from wikipedia:

"Bluetooth was named after a tenth-century king, Harald Bluetooth, King of Denmark and Norway. Bluetooth is an anglicized version of Harald Blaatand, who was known for his unification of previously warring tribes from Denmark (including now Swedish Scania, where the Bluetooth technology was invented) and Norway. Bluetooth likewise was intended to unify different technologies, such as personal computers and mobile phones.[31][32]
The name may have been inspired less by the historical Harald than the loose interpretation of him in The Long Ships by Frans Gunnar Bengtsson, a Swedish Viking-inspired novel."


Story goes that the king had serious bad teeths, hence bluetooth...
Technology was invented at Ericsson in Lund, SWE - the town which the novelist mentioned above was an alumnae of. So it may well have been the inspiration for the trademark name.


I think Fiat/Chrysler joint venture sound excellent. The new Fiats are fine quality product, well engineered and designed. Fiat has som very interesting new engine valvetrain technology in pipeline the next years. They are top notch in diesel engines. I encourage you to try their 2.4 JTD 5 cyl diesel with +200 hp and 440 Nm of torque crusing down the autobahn at 6-7 liters per 100 km. I believe that power figures are about what a 350" SB V8 makes as std?
 
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"Morning After" articles

A random sampling of new articles coming out this morning:

Fiat clawed back to take Chrysler stake
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/AUTO01/901210377

Who's Behind Fiat's Gamble On Chrysler?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090121.RMARCHIONNE21/TPStory/Business

Another Italian job: Fiat angles for a US comeback
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008654641_apeufiatamericancomeback.html

Fiat goes boldly where other carmakers fear to tread
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/da3b83c6-e75b-11dd-aef2-0000779fd2ac.html

Fiat slides on concern Chrysler threatens turnaround
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aFFqT2qToq00

Fiat plans U.S. comeback via Chrysler
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-fiat-chrysler-jan21,0,165833.story

Fiat's Bold Move On Chrysler
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/21/fiat-chrysler-automotive-markets-equity-cx_po_0121markets07.html

Skeptics frown on Fiat-Chrysler deal
http://www.freep.com/article/20090121/BUSINESS01/90121068/Skeptics+frown+on+Fiat-Chrysler+deal

Deal with Fiat may be too late for Chrysler
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008651645_xlerfiat210.html

Fiat and Chrysler: An Italian lifeline
http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12965800

Chrysler, Fiat have what other needs
http://www.freep.com/article/200901...SINESS01/Chrysler++Fiat+have+what+other+needs

For Chrysler dealers, Fiat pact welcome
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/AUTO01/901210376

Chrysler Needs Another Move, Besides Fiat
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2009/01/21/chrysler-needs-another-move-besides-fiat.html

Editorial: Alliance with Fiat may save Chrysler
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/OPINION01/901210306

Fiat: Chrysler deal not contingent on loan
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/storie...LOAN?SITE=MAFAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
 
I need the "Fix It Again Tony" jokes back

I made a sticker that says "Forget Tony, I Fix It Myself". Now all I get is "Who's Tony?" :rolleyes2:
 
Carl I was thinking the same thing..

There's all kinds of trash and garbage on our roads yet burocracy will keep new cars from coming here. They wont allow Lotus Elises also. Not sure but I don't think any older Fiats are allowed in either. Meant to ask that on the site actually.
 
I think if they start out with the Fiat 500 and maybe the Fiat Grande Punto, they would be fine. Just focus on this Mini rival and Yaris/Fit rival. Then bring in a full line of Alfa Romeos. Fiat does have some bad reputation left behind, but the American publics mind can change in a matter of months. In large US cities you see Vespas everywhere; I could imagine seeing 500s around even more than Mini Coopers.

It is funny how our group's mentality mirrors people's impression of the cars we love, but from 20-30 years ago. We need to also move on and realize that the Fiat Group makes some very nice cars (and with quality now). Give them a chance, you can't but be impressed with Marchionne's guts. It is a lot more than you see from any of the other global companies right now.
 
If the media

gives Fiat a chance I think they'll do fine. I was watching CNN and the newscaster said something about "Fix It All the Time". I could've slapped him. Most people don't even know what a Fiat is anymore and the ones that I've talked to have fond memories of them. The most important thing Fiat can do is to keep the cost down so people can afford to try them out. KIA did a great job introducing their cars into the US market by selling them cheap and backing them up with a good warranty. I know I'll be saving my money to buy one. The last new car I bought was 23 years ago.
 
Yeah, the Fiat jokes get old, and that is really unprofessional for a journalist to bring up such a thing. Should they make the Ford and Chevy jokes when talking about the bailout loans? Come on...

That said, Fiat and Alfa will both have to take a certain amount of pain in stride. I hate to compare them to Hyundai and Kia, but look how far those marques have come. They were treated like less than trash, and now have some basic respect and a large share of the US market. Part of it took just plain old persistence.

I think Alfa Romeo has a better chance up front. Fiat just needs to take it really slow. Start out with the 500, try to get this cult status going on like what happened with the Mini Cooper. Then they have an excellent spring board to start bringing cars in like the Punto. I'm wondering if the Bravo would sell well here, considering how VW Golfs only do so well. There is the Fiat Linea, which isn't quite Jetta sized though, but looks like a nice little car. More geared towards developing markets though. Anyway, with just the 500 and Punto, and Abarth versions, they could be good for awhile. Then something like a new Fiat Coupe' and barchetta would be nice. X1/9 Mk2, if we are allowed to dream.

:nana:
 
The whole thing revolves around the cars...they have to be at least as good as the Asian competition. I am not familiar with the FIAT lineup, but I'm thinking they would want to bring over the 500 of course, and add to it the next best car they make regardless of size, and if there has to be a third car, maybe something with a state-of-the-art diesel, which I think will start to become in demand in the near future.

If the cars are up to the task, then the owner experience will be the difference-maker.

I think just putting two or three FIATs in the showroom along with the rest of the Dodge or Chrysler stable, rebadged as Dodges or Chryslers or not, is not the ideal way to sell. Way too much product diversity for the sales and service staff to truly understand, and based on how local Dodge dealers (mis)treat their customers, not a classy enough buying experience to set themselves apart from a very crowded field of competition.

I think a better way might be to offer the small Chrysler-Dodge dealerships who might be on the verge of closing the option to convert to FIAT-Alfa dealerships. That gives them something that should be popular to sell with 2 or 3 FIATs, and something high-line to sell with an Alfa, and lets the service dept. dedicate itself to learning the Italian cars. The buying experience doesn't have to be like a Lexus dealership, but it has to be classier than the average American make store.

If successful, the reward to these dealers would be an expanding lineup of vehicles to appeal to additonal market segments, but only as long as the product is up to the task.
 
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