Chrysler restructuring plan places heavy emphasis on hopeful Fiat models
Click above for a gallery of slides outlining Chrysler's planned alliance with Fiat
While Chrysler didn't exactly say that there was no chance it could survive without realizing the proposed alliance with Italian automaker Fiat, the long, drawn-out 177-page document that it filed last night with Congress doesn't leave any doubt that its future plans rely heavily on new platforms from abroad.
For instance, Chrysler points out that the two automaker's product portfolios only overlap in the midsize segments – we already know that Chrysler has had little luck with its own Sebring and Dodge Avenger – and it points to a future line that would include the Fiat 500 and Punto along with the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Fullsize and larger models may include the as-yet unheard of Alfa Milano and Giulia. Further investigation shows that Chrysler is also looking forward to getting Fiat's dual clutch transmission, Multiair engine technology and common rail diesel technology.
In return for all of these new vehicles and drivetrain components, Chrysler would provide its 4-cylinder gasoline-powered world engines and new Phoenix gas V6 engine lines plus access to its large vehicle and truck platforms.
Click here to download a PDF of Chrysler LLC's Restructuring Plan for Long Term Viability (Note: It's 177 pages long). Back in January, we made our list of Top Five Fiats we want to see Chrysler bring to the U.S. Read it here.
[Source: Chrysler]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
sydbot 8:45PM (2/18/2009)
So does this mean Alfa is going to stop using GM's High Feature engine block?
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slk23 12:57AM (2/19/2009)
I'd love to see the Cinque Cento and Grande Punto here in the USA. I drove a diesel Grande Punto in Italy for a week and really liked it.
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Jason 7:06PM (2/19/2009)
What is a multi air-efficient engine. Is the air that much cleaner in Italy? :)
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Matt Groom 2:18PM (2/19/2009)
Fiats will only sell if they bring their Diesel engines with them across the sea, other wise they will be seen simply as undersized, overpriced Chryslers.
I'll take a 500 with a small displacement turbo diesel, please.
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Robert Snideman 1:25PM (2/20/2009)
Let's face it, we are going to be using gas engines for a long time to come. The Fiat 500 is a great, fuel efficient automobile. It is well designed, built - not your father's "Fix-it-again-Tony". It holds four fannys, unlike the SMART which has only two seats.
I observed many in Italy last year and was very impressed. When can we get 'em in North America? Sooner the better! Yes, I'd like a diesel option, but I'll take 40mpg gas any time.
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