Alfa back to the US with Chrysler?

[AlfaTango1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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).

[Arna]

It's almost as if we expect Fiat to barrow a rwd platform from someone else because there is a silent consensus that they can't do it on their own. How did it come to this?

It's shocking to me to even consider that things could be so depraved for Alfa that it would come to them expecting a platform from Chrysler of all companies. This is a modern day Greco-Roman Tragedy!

[GuerrillaGarage]

The fact that the deal would give Chrylser instant access to world class engineered minicars is great. The smartest thing they could do would be to start manufacturing Fiat 500s in the USA today and get them to market ASAP. The problem is the Chrysler corporate culture is such that they hate those "commie cars". Did anybody ever try to get their Milano or 164 serviced at Chrysler dealership after Alfa pulled out of the US? Those guys hate foreign cars. They hated Mercedes and drove them out, does anybody think it will be any different with Fiat? The US dealers and manufacturing people would rather see Chrysler go broke than build "commie cars". -Steve

[AlfaTango1]

I don't think that's the consensus, it was just someones quip as part of a question. I still think Tata is slated to supply or co develop a platform with Fiat. The way the world economy is, shared platforms make the most sense at the scales of production we are talking about here.

[Zunige]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arna It's almost as if we expect Fiat to barrow a rwd platform from someone else because there is a silent consensus that they can't do it on their own. How did it come to this?

[Arna]

Zungie,

I suppose I was speaking from a feeling I got every time Fiat (or Alfa) is rumored to be "in talks" with another company. No matter what "company of the day" it is (could be BMW, Jaguar, or now Chrysler), I get a sense that everyone here rushes to see what products that company already has and whether or not it has a platform that can be used to create the mythical, modern and affordable rwd Alfa. I'm only saying this because it actually is "considered" every time we think Alfa is about to jump in bed with another company.

[dave_fonz_164]

I can see how the Jeep lineup can benefit aswell.....The Compass/Patriot and Wranglers can all get the new range of JTD engines!

[AlfaTango1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arna Zungie, I suppose I was speaking from a feeling I got every time Fiat (or Alfa) is rumored to be "in talks" with another company. No matter what "company of the day" it is (could be BMW, Jaguar, or now Chrysler), I get a sense that everyone here rushes to see what products that company already has and whether or not it has a platform that can be used to create the mythical, modern and affordable rwd Alfa. I'm only saying this because it actually is "considered" every time we think Alfa is about to jump in bed with another company.

[sfascu]

Here is an article as when people expect Alfa to come back to the US along with the 8C.

[JoeIowa]

This makes more sense than Mercedes, because FIAT has the small cars Chrysler wants to sell in the USA. What could booger it up is Chrysler design and styling and engineering. We could end up with a FIAT500, but instead of just selling the FIAT500 Chrysler will get involved, rebadge it as a Dodge Omni, and restyle the front and back so that it is properly Americanized. That's my big fear. Chrysler has a real talent for spinning gold into straw.

[paulbinct]

I agree with 'joeiowa', but from what I have read Fiat is basically being brought in to save Chrysler's a*s. Chrysler needs to show the US Govt that they have a plan to survive. When they have been saving cash this past year or so, they not only laid off or bought out a ton of people including engineers they STOPPED developing new cars. Obviously they cannot survive in that mode. They say that they are going to bring in Fiat executives who under Marchionne have re-engineered Fiat over the past few years to see if they can do the same to Chrysler. SInce Fiat's investment is ZERO for 35%, if Fiat does not like what it sees it can probably simply walk. If it sees the opportunity to get something done, and can convince Uncle Sam to pony up more $$, then it can see about producing what will essentially be Fiats here in the US. Marchionne has been saying for a while the only way he would really commit to the US is if hge clould build here, which obviously now he can. My main concern is exactly the same as JoeIowa's, will the be producing slightly Americanized Fiats or will they be producing Fiatized Chryslers. I would strongly hope for the former, and of course with ap roud Fiat badge, but that is unlikely. As to the Alfas, I am not sure how much the Alfa chassis are deriviative of Fiats or more unique. The more unique the harder to build in the same plant as a Fiat, which I so not think they do in Europe (they have Alfa only factories), which of course requires more of an investment. I would just hope that Alfa does not end up the poor step-child to the Chrysler dealers. But it clearly gives Alfa an instant dealer network, from which it can hopefully pick and chose as to where and how to sell.

[dretceterini]

Just who is going to want a Chryslerized FIAT?

[AlfaTango1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dretceterini Just who is going to want a Chryslerized FIAT?

[WopJob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveC Things to come?

[Gubi]

Next up: Chrysler TC2 by Alfa Romeo.