Later this year Lancia and Chrysler will merge operations as part of Fiat Auto's plans to reorganise its new American subsidiary. Fiat is looking for Lancia and Chrysler to develop its future models together.
Later this year Lancia and Chrysler will merge operations as part of Fiat Auto's plans to reorganise its new American subsidiary. Fiat is looking for Lancia and Chrysler to develop its future models together. Although the cars will get different styling they will share dealers and distribution across the UK and Europe.
The Bosses at Fiat are looking for the new Chrysler range to become more upmarket than the current budget blue-collar models. The future is likely to see Chrysler with similar models to Lancia, which will range from an upmarket supermini to a likely replacement for the recently axed Thesis executive saloon. The companies are also believed to be looking at new models for the VW Golf and Ford Mondeo sectors.
A new supermini is expected to be on its way by 2011 while other models such as a middle of the range Alfa Romeo Milano and the 2012 159 replacement will follow shortly afterwards. The successful Chrysler 300C is likely to be used in some form as a flagship model for the two companies. Although it would undergo some development.
The two companies don't face an easy task and will almost certainly have their work cut out as they have been under performing for some time. A new design and branding may be needed to reinvent themselves as with Chrysler's US sales seeing a 40 per cent drop something needs to be done.
Fiat are planning to use the Dodge brand to sell mass market cars in the US while new Chrysler models will be sold in both the US and Europe.
Other changes see Alfa Romeo looking to return to the US probably using their small Milano as the entry model. Although they haven't been in the market there for sometime the company is confident of finding space in the US sector for its vehicles. Other group brands such as the Dodge Ram pick-up and SUV are being put into a distinct division to help them better target their market, although this has fueled speculation that this part of the business may be up for sale some time in the future.