Fiat in talks with Chrysler to build Alfa Romeos for U.S. | FerrariChat
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Fiat in talks with Chrysler to build Alfa Romeos for U.S.

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by shahedc, Jul 31, 2008.

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  1. shahedc

    shahedc Formula 3

    Jun 4, 2007
    1,625
    Washington DC
    #1 shahedc, Jul 31, 2008
    Fiat in talks with Chrysler to build Alfa Romeos for U.S.

    Thoughts?

    From LLN:
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/chrysler-to-build-alfa-romeos-in-the-us-for-fiat.html

    Followup [5/27]: Alfa Romeo brand chief Luca de Meo officially confirmed this weekend his company has been in talks with Chrysler about cooperating on U.S. production. The comments were made during an interview with Germany’s WirtschaftsWoche. Rumors about Chrysler producing Alfa Romeo cars first broke in April, but this is the first official confirmation we’ve heard.

    Original Story [4/15]: It seems Chrysler is desperately trying to form allegiances and partnerships with other automakers in order to be profitable again, as it partnered up with Nissan on Monday to produce a full-size pick-up for the Japanese automaker in exchange for a small car, with the two companies basically trading products each has traditionally excelled at. The latest move, although it is far from being confirmed, has the Michigan-based carmaker in talks of a cooperation with Italy’s Fiat to produce Alfa Romeo sports cars on U.S. soil. Alfa announced late last month it will have a U.S. factory picked out by the end of May.

    Fiat has also made headlines lately as it is fixing on bringing its new 500 Stateside. If not Alfas, then maybe Chrysler will build Fiats? Or both? Whatever the case, a report due for release on Wednesday in Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper says talks between Chrysler and Fiat are advanced.

    “Handelsblatt has learned Chrysler could produce the cars for Fiat subsidiary Alfa Romeo,” read and excerpt in the paper on Tuesday. “Industry sources say the talks are moving forward.”

    Fiat reps wouldn’t comment, but according to the report, a Chrysler spokeswoman goes on record to say news of the talks are just speculation, adding “There could be other partnerships with other carmakers.”
     
  2. Papa G

    Papa G Formula 3

    Dec 29, 2003
    1,406
    #2 Papa G, Jul 31, 2008
    Wasn't Alfa sold thru Chrysler dealerships right before Alfa left the U.S for good? Figure if they plan on building them here then they'll probably use their dealerships also, no?
     
  3. PogueMoHone

    PogueMoHone Formula Junior

    Oct 3, 2004
    330
    #3 PogueMoHone, Jul 31, 2008
    ^

    If the above is true (and who knows), then I think Alfa's return to the US market is DOA!

    No one in their right mind would look to Chrysler for the kind of quality necessary for Alfa to position itself against BMW, Audi etc., and be successful. If BMW and Audi are not their target market who is?

    Image is everything sometimes, and Chrysler is already a failed car Company; not what Alfa needs. I thought the potential Mini liaison was more interesting, insightful and promising.

    Let's hope they get this re-entry correct. I can see me buying Alfas, I can't see me buying Alfas (or anything else) built by Chrysler.
     
  4. F1tommy

    F1tommy F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 15, 2007
    11,322
    Sugar Grove USA
    Full Name:
    Tom Tanner
    #4 F1tommy, Jul 31, 2008
    Not the best idea. Maybe FIAT will buy a Chrysler factory??

    The Alfa/Chrysler partnership back in the early 1990's was a major mistake.
    Did you know the Alfa 164LS was not available in RED and almost all were
    brought over with automatic gearboxes in 1995. The Alfa/Chrysler 164 ads were marketing the cars to grocery store shopping clients. I dont know who the bird's and bee's and spider's ads were marketed to??

    Not suprising Alfa didnt sell many cars in 1994-1995.
     
  5. otaku

    otaku Formula 3

    Aug 12, 2005
    1,391
    Boise,Idaho
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    Josh
    #5 otaku, Aug 7, 2008
    This seems like a bad move to me. Chrysler builds terrible cars and are not doing well right now (probably never will and could go bankrupt)
     
  6. Italiyun

    Italiyun Rookie

    Dec 15, 2003
    29
    Austin, Texas
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    Trey
    #6 Italiyun, Aug 20, 2008
    I'm pretty sure fiat was just looking to buy a Chrysler factory and maybe take advantage of their dealer network. Chrysler would not be building the cars.
     
  7. Lemke

    Lemke F1 Rookie

    Oct 27, 2004
    4,644
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    Daniel
    #7 Lemke, Aug 20, 2008
    I just cant imagine Alfas being sold next to Town & Countries. What happened to the MINI partnership I read about?
     
  8. Timo04

    Timo04 Karting

    Jul 2, 2007
    198
    S.F. Bay Area
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    Tim
    #8 Timo04, Aug 24, 2008

    I agree 110%. DOA for Alfa Romeo on US shores if they partner with Chrysler which builds junk! Yes, and what did happen to the proposed partnership with MINI? It seems that there are so many different stories surrounding Alfa's return to the US that I don't know what to believe or if the return here will ever take place.
     

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