Alfa back to the US with Chrysler?

[AlfaTango1]

They have a number of RWD platforms, Charger & Viper but what Fiat wants is a dealer network. Remember there were also talks of Mini and Alfa selling through the BMW network.

[Aghevli]

Access to a dealership network sounds nice but the press release almost sounds more like Fiat is the likely company to return to the states. No talk of Alfa yet (nothing official, that is).

"The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler's viability plan, would provide Chrysler with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites."

Doesn't really sound like they are speaking about heavy platforms or 3.2 liter Holden engines. Although I could see the MiTo fitting the above description (yuk!).

"The agreement will offer both companies opportunities to gain access to most relevant automotive markets with innovative and environmentally friendly product offering, a field in which Fiat is a recognized world leader while benefitting from additional cost synergies."

Again, this sounds more like Fiat than anything. If we are to assume this means Alfa, then we should also assume that the Alfa line-up will be getting lighter and more efficient very soon (a good thing).

[peglegtom]

so this deal seems to make sense if:

1. Fiat decides to produce Alfas as well as Fiats in the US.

2. The Fiats and Alfas are true to their European designs. Taking a Sebring and badging it as a Fiat or (more likely) an Alfa, would be a major disaster for both companies. But if Fiat can produce their cars (including Alfas) in the under-utilized Chrysler plants, it could be a good deal for both companies, as well as the autoworkers and suppliers that would produce them.

The downsides, as I see them are:

1. In this economic turn-down, will anyone want to purchase a Fiat or Alfa in comparison to a Honda or Toyota, and can they get financing if they want to?

2. Can a Chrysler salesperson (Dodge, Chrysler, etc) effectively sell a Fiat or particularly an Alfa? After all, they are used to pushing minivans and PT Cruisers! Fiats could be sold on price and their European heritage, but Alfas would probably be priced more in line with VW, BMW, and Audi, and higher than Hondas, Toyotas, and the Korean knockoffs.

3. Will people believe that Fiat (or Alfa) is in it for the long term? If I purchase a car from them, will I be able to get parts and service in a few years, or will they pull out and leave me with an "orphan". I know that they are supposed to provide parts for 10 years, but what if there is no dealer network. Also, what kind of service can I expect from a Chrysler branded dealership for a Fiat or Alfa if they do pull out?

All of this, of course, has nothing to do with our older Alfas. The new dealers will not have parts or the expertise to service these cars, so we are still on our own (and thanks to our parts suppliers and independent service providers)!

[AlfaTango1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peglegtom s 2. Can a Chrysler salesperson (Dodge, Chrysler, etc) effectively sell a Fiat or particularly an Alfa? After all, they are used to pushing minivans and PT Cruisers! Fiats could be sold on price and their European heritage, but Alfas would probably be priced more in line with VW, BMW, and Audi, and higher than Hondas, Toyotas, and the Korean knockoffs.

[Caesar!]

Brilliant!

This is very good for both companies.
Each establishing exposure to unchartered markets.
FIAT in North America, and Chrysler extending it's line through international dealers already set up by FIAT
Likewise FIAT will be able to promote it's like within Chrysler dealers, and this is tremendously cost saving for both parties.
This was FIAT's main concern is the implementation of a Dealer network within North America, and this joint amalgamation is unbelievably attractive for both.

Kudo's and big cheer for FIAT/ALFA & Chrysler.

[AlfaVeloce]

I think this may be a case of, as Jerry Clower said: "Just shoot up here amongst us, one of us needs some relief!"

[BlueSpider]

The latest, just a few minutes ago from WSJ

"Chrysler has found an international partner in Fiat but the auto maker isn't out of the woods, mainly because the deal is contingent on Chrysler getting $3 billion in additional government loans. Chrysler and Italy's Fiat confirmed they had reached an agreement on an alliance that would give Fiat a 35% stake in the American company. Fiat would not put any cash into Chrysler but would provide technology and vehicles that Chrysler could build and sell in the U.S."

'com guys - don't cheat on your tax return and we may get enough tax $ for the return of Alfa in the US

I have mixed feelings about all this. The "...provide technology and vehicles that Chrysler could build..." OMG just imagine a sebring GTV - on the other hand, I am excited to anything that brings the Italian car maker back to the US...

[italcarguy]

So it looks like the Alfa 10C (Dodge Viper) is a possibility. Fiat was smart. They saw that bail out money in Chrysler's bank account and acted quick.

[90Quad]

That's like jumping out the fifth floor window to try to save the guy that jumped off the roof. If Mercedes couldn't make the combination work how is Fiat in such a short time? It needs to work now or bye bye. Maybe they should just take over all the empty Chrysler dealers instead in 3 mos.

[BlueSpider]

Yeah - I like that. Just take over the dealership network and put in REAL cars

[MALDI]

Here is an interesting view from a Chrysler fan:

Fiat: the best choice? at Allpar Weblogs

He sees Fiat as a way for Chrysler to gain a presence in Europe and South America.

[gt601]

Go to the UK Fiat site and bumble through the cars. They are really cool. Heck the Panda 4x4 is rated at 54 mpg Heck our hybrids aren't that good on gas.

Fiat.co.uk | Fiat Showroom : Latest Offers, Book a Test Drive, Fiat Car Range and more

If we can get these cars or at least some of them with Alfas included we'll be golden.

Paul

[RussianM3_dude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaTango1 They have a number of RWD platforms, Charger & Viper but what Fiat wants is a dealer network. Remember there were also talks of Mini and Alfa selling through the BMW network.

[AlfaTango1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussianM3_dude Charger? Are you kidding? It's a tank. Too heavy. Alfa needs MODERN RWD platforms.

[RussianM3_dude]

Of course we know they have a RWD chassis. However I don't think any of them are suitable for Fiat or Alfa. Even the Viper (which is closer to a kit car).