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Report: Chrysler Looking For New Plant To Build Fiats

 
7 4,187 views Jan 19, 2010
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Fiat 500 BEV Concept on Chrysler standard, 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Fiat 500 BEV Concept on Chrysler standard, 2010 Detroit Auto Show

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Chrysler is currently on the lookout for a new site in North America to start building Fiat-based models, with the first cars tipped to be rolling off the factory floor as early as this year.


The information comes from Chrysler's senior vice president for manufacturing, Scott Garberding, who revealed that there a number of options on the table, including the construction of a brand new plant.

Three production plants thought to be in consideration include Chrysler's Canadian MPV plant in Windsor, Ontario, as well as a plant in the U.S. and Mexico. The Windsor plant in Canada currently builds the Chrysler Town & Country, as well as the Dodge Grand Caravan. If this plant is re-tooled for Fiat production, it could produce Alfa Romeo's MiTo small car as well as a possible Chrysler vehicle based on Fiat's C-Evo platform.

Other plants under consideration include Chrysler's Mexico plant that currently builds the Dodge Journey and the Chrysler PT Cruiser. With the PT Cruiser coming to the end of its life this summer, this could pave the way for the construction of cars derived from Fiat's A platform, such as the popular Fiat 500 minicar. There is also speculation that a new entry-level Jeep model could be developed from Fiat's Panda Cross 4x4 or possibly the flexible C-Evo platform.

Finally, Chrysler is also considering its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. This plant assembles the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. With a Fiat-backed re-tooling, the plant could easily produce a number of Fiat models, such as the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the 159-replacement.

[Automotive News, sub req'd]





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Comments (7)

  1. Bill Burke Posted: 1/19/2010 11:23am PST

    I think that the "Fiat Based" language is inaccurate since these products will have Fiat influences yet strong Chrysler individuality. I believe the proper term would be "co-developed" since they will be styled as Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps and show little of the Fiat platform influence to most buyers on this side of the Atlantic. Alot of Chryslers' full size products will be going to Europe and recieve Lancia or Alfa Romero styling cues, so the co developed language works both ways and in all markets. This is a global effort of a truly integrated auto partnership. The differences will blurr in a short time to most buyers world-wide I suspect.
     
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  2. bepsf Posted: 1/19/2010 12:21pm PST

    "I think that the "Fiat Based" language is inaccurate..."
    Actually quite accurate - considering that the new products are certain to consist of largely Fiat platforms, Fiat running gear and Fiat engineering with a smattering of Chrysler styling...
    ...in much the same way that Seat and Skoda products are "VW based".
     
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  3. JustWilliam Posted: 1/19/2010 1:19pm PST

    With all due respect Bill, I beg to differ. A car uses a platform or architecture as it's "Base", regardless of how it is styled, and certain hard points will be shared regardless. "Fiat Based" and "Chrysler Based" are currently 100% accurate and appropriate terms, regardless of brand. Styling, branding and marketing an existing architecture is redevelopment, Not co-development.
    Look at it like a new marriage. The new husband and wife each have children from prior to their relationship. The kids share a common family structure but different DNA. Only a NEW child will share DNA of both parents.
    But keep the faith and be patient. Truly co-developed vehicles WILL happen when the next generation platforms are designed.
     
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  4. cheap memory cards Posted: 1/19/2010 6:56pm PST

    iat only wanted Chrysler so they would have an easy way in the US, once they get a few of their models over here, they are going to dump EVERY dodge and Chrysler product and they will be Fiat, Ram, and Jeep. but who can blame them, chrysler doesnt have one single worth-while car, and neither does dodge, they are just too far behind Ford and even GM...
     
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  5. fb_100000275684479 avatar Michael Escobar Posted: 1/19/2010 7:04pm PST

    I just want a FIAT 500, not a "Chrysler styled" Fiat-based compact. PLEASE Fiat-Chrysler, bring the 500 and Abarth, etc here UN-CHANGED!
    And if I never see a Jeep badged Fiat Panda, I'll be happy. The current Panda proves that Italian designers CAN get it wrong sometimes.
     
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  6. Dave Posted: 1/19/2010 7:56pm PST

    With all due respect, what I heard was that they were looking at shipping the Dodge Journey up to the Windsor plant and then putting a "Fiat" platformed car, like the 500, in the Mexican plant. I first had heard this last september. I would think that it would be wiser to use an existing mothballed plant and retool it to build a small car, especially on your first "co-produced" vehicle.
     
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  7. Tom Janesz Posted: 1/20/2010 7:05am PST

    Lorain Ohio Ford Assembly plant is ready to build Fiat Automobiles and Trucks. Great work force, great area.
    Tom Janesz Automotive Mechanical Engineer Expert
     
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