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Chrysler design chief hints at Fiat-infused North American portfolio

 
9 2,506 views Jan 22, 2009

In the following months, Chrysler execs will visit Fiat design studios to figure out what would be suitable for the U.S.

In the following months, Chrysler execs will visit Fiat design studios to figure out what would be suitable for the U.S.

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Following the announcement this week of a proposed acquisition of a 35% stake in Chrysler by Italy’s Fiat Group, Chrysler’s chief designer Ralph Gilles has given some insight into the thought processes going on behind locked doors at the two companies. Chrysler and Fiat execs are currently meeting to determine the North American portfolio created by their new alliance.

Speaking with Automotive News, Gilles revealed that in the months that will follow, Chrysler execs will visit the design studios at Fiat and figure out what vehicles from the Italian auto giant are most suitable for the North American market. Unfortunately, the Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati brands will not be part of the alliance.

Gilles said Fiat is very strong in the small-car segments known as the A, B and C segments in Europe, so vehicles that size "make sense for Chrysler." The Chrysler design chief also said there will be opportunities to do products “based on the Fiat DNA.”

Gilles also revealed that rebadging some Fiat vehicles is an option. "There are some natural fits where it may make sense, but right now we are in a very broad investigation mode. We are looking at all the opportunities," he said.

One model from Fiat that has a very strong chance of being sold in the United States is the 500 minicar, which has been reported to be heading here for months. "It is such a fun package. I think Americans, given the chance, will fall in love with this thing," he said.

According to previous reports, the 500 could be in local showrooms within 18 months if given the green light today. The car would be sold in Chrysler or Dodge dealerships and would serve as a marketing tool to get customers, especially those that would never have previously entered a Chrysler or Dodge showroom, walking through the doors.



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Comments (9)

  1. ma_Jim avatar Jim Posted: 1/22/2009 7:12am PST

    Chrysler should discontinue everything but the 300, mini vans, Ram and the Jeeps and fill the rest of the line with re-badged Fiats.
     
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  2. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 1/22/2009 7:14am PST

    Chrysler can bring in Fiats and sell American products abroad especially with the dollar weak, however the first priority is to fix the sedan and make it a world car with 32-35 MPG. It all builds from that. Also look at redesigning the Challenger platform to become lighter and better handling while still offering the old model for another 1.5 years or so. Get you basic vehicles right so buyers can get excited for your brand again.
     
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  3. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 1/22/2009 7:23am PST

    54chev.. they just need to spend some money on the interior of the LX cars. the 300 should be competing with the DTS and MKS but it doesnt.. as far as luxury is concerned.

    Jim, next to those vehicles what does chrysler corp have? you've just named all of their large vehicles.. the ones that sell.. the ones that dont are the small vehicles.. anything smaller than D segment.. which is what fiat will bring to the table. hell.. rebadging an alfa D would be better than the sebring
     
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  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/22/2009 1:13pm PST

    How about do a concept Challenger with a Ferrari V8
     
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  5. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 1/22/2009 1:46pm PST

    I would have to say this union is a very good thing for the future of stylish cars made in America/Canada!!!

    Dont forget Fiat has had some design winners on its hands over the years. They even bought us the only car that Chris Bangle did'nt consult Stevie Wonder for design ideas on..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fza5pPlBOoo
     
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  6. ma_dcars avatar dcars Posted: 1/22/2009 6:26pm PST

    Chrysler needs a small car and the 500 looks like a winner. The sebring needs a redo. I wonder whats in the pipe line at fiat. The challenger and the 300 look good on the out side, but i've never looked inside or drove them. The caliber is awful. The T&C/caravan needs some reengineering and styling help. The ferrari v8 in the challenger would be great, but hemi V8s are also nice.
     
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  7. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/22/2009 8:02pm PST

    I just wanna see it as a concept for fun
     
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  8. ma_AudiCars avatar AudiCars Posted: 1/23/2009 3:01am PST

    This can be a great news for Chrysler but also for a great return of italian cars in the US market.

    I hope to see here Fiat 500 but also LANCIA, the carmakers of Delta, Stratos, Fulvia, Beta Skorpion: is the most important italian badge in the history in technology, innovation, class and sportcar and deserve more attention by Fiat.
     
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  9. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/23/2009 3:30pm PST

    Bring the Fiat Strada mini-pickup truck here, would be great for sales, carry loads and is more fuel efficien tthen the Dakota
     
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