Chrysler and ....(omg) Fiat?
MagicRat
01-21-2009, 12:35 PM
How the mighty have fallen.
In the good old days, Chrysler bought controlling interests in European firms like Rootes Group and Simca.
Now, Daimler-Benz and Cerebus feel possession of Chrysler is worthless, a position reinforced by Fiat. They have acquired 35% with no capital. One can guess their assumption of a portion of Chrysler's liabilities and willingness to retool a plant to be investment enough.
Imo it makes more sense for Fiat to team up with Chrysler than Daimler-Benz.
Fiat could use a dealer network and support to reintroduce their cars in North America.
However, it was only a few years ago that Fiat was pretty anxious to get rid of their auto building operations altogether, and for good reason. Fiat cars were uncompetitive and the business was unprofitable. Fiat has performed a remarkable turnaround in recent years. Lets hope they can do the same for Chrysler.
But even after 35 years, the Fiat brand is not attractive in North America. Too many people have memories of rusty, smoking, unreliable little boxes which decomposed before your eyes.
Obviously Fiat cars are much better now, and since Chrysler no longer has any truly small cars, the mix might work well.
Your thoughts?
In the good old days, Chrysler bought controlling interests in European firms like Rootes Group and Simca.
Now, Daimler-Benz and Cerebus feel possession of Chrysler is worthless, a position reinforced by Fiat. They have acquired 35% with no capital. One can guess their assumption of a portion of Chrysler's liabilities and willingness to retool a plant to be investment enough.
Imo it makes more sense for Fiat to team up with Chrysler than Daimler-Benz.
Fiat could use a dealer network and support to reintroduce their cars in North America.
However, it was only a few years ago that Fiat was pretty anxious to get rid of their auto building operations altogether, and for good reason. Fiat cars were uncompetitive and the business was unprofitable. Fiat has performed a remarkable turnaround in recent years. Lets hope they can do the same for Chrysler.
But even after 35 years, the Fiat brand is not attractive in North America. Too many people have memories of rusty, smoking, unreliable little boxes which decomposed before your eyes.
Obviously Fiat cars are much better now, and since Chrysler no longer has any truly small cars, the mix might work well.
Your thoughts?
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026