Alfa Romeo exec in talks with Chrysler
It was only in December that we mention Alfa Romeo was planning to open a factory in the United States. We followed that story with another in March when Fiat also mentioned a possibility of Iveco truck production coming to the States. It was in that same month that Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne told the Financial Times that his company was in talks with major U.S. automakers about sharing production. On Saturday, Alfa Romeo brand chief Luca de Meo told a German magazine that talks were under way with Chrysler. With Chrysler cutting domestic production, a move like this by Fiat would help both companies. The Italian carmaker, withdrawn from the U.S. market since 1995, would avoid the effects of the strong Euro on exports, and Chrysler would be able to ramp production back up on an idled plant.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Frank 8:36AM (5/27/2008)
The soon to be idled plant in Newark, Delaware that now makes Durangos and Aspens would be a good candidate. The Apsen will probably be dropped and the Durango is going to be built next to the Jeep Grand Cherokee at Jefferson North in Detroit.
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tanooki2003 10:00AM (5/27/2008)
Well at least it's a start, although I do hope to actually not have to buy a Chrysler branded Alfa Romeo. I prefer Alfa Romeo to have it's own identity here in the USA like it used to be.
I hope to have an Alfa Romeo newer alternative to the former 164 that I once used to own and enjoyed.
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RMc 10:08AM (5/27/2008)
Alfa/Fiat can't be stupid enough to badge their cars the same name as a the horrendous Chrysler. That'd be like putting a Walmart label on an Armani suit.
This is good in that it brings Alfa that much closer to the US at a decent price. A MiTo cheaper than a Mini? Yes, please!
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Rick 10:25AM (5/27/2008)
No no no. They are simply (thinking about) using an empty plant. The tooling and all, would be theirs. If they had to build a factory from scratch, that would be another expensive story.
CarbonBlack 1:52AM (5/28/2008)
guess it sounds like Chrysler won't have the chance to screw up Alfa.....thank god!
Avinash machado 10:26AM (5/27/2008)
well this will help Chrysler get a bit of cash and keep the production lines busy.
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Throwback 2:37PM (5/27/2008)
I'm dont think Fiat would want to hire UAW members. My guess is they will buy/rent the plant and hire new workers.
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Devon 7:12PM (5/27/2008)
I, for one Alfeisti, will not purchase a chrysler-made Alfa Romeo, no matter how cheap it becomes. I purchase Alfas because they are truly italian sports cars that are available to the masses and an absolute joy to drive and experience how the Italians do things (read: the right way or not at all).
I give no credence to the claims of Alfa's build quality- the 90's spiders we had on these shores are absolutely fantastic vehicles both in terms of their drivability and their reliability. I look forward to the MiTo on our shores, and even more if we get the Brera or a 147.
Always Looking For Another
Devon
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whofan 8:16PM (5/27/2008)
"Alfa/Fiat can't be stupid enough to badge their cars the same name as a the horrendous Chrysler. That'd be like putting a Walmart label on an Armani suit."
Chysler`s management made horrendous decisions. The product itself has been on par with the other manufactures, but could use improvement. Under Diamler the maker of Mercedes Chryslers design has gone down hill. Chrysler before the so called merger was kicking butt.
It doesn`t matter where or who builds the car. Its the engineering design and over seeing of quality control that counts.
Chrysler was stripped of cash and cost cutting took its toll.
I wouldn`t doubt the Chrysler`s vehicles were of better quality than Diamler`s at the time of the "merger". That just can`t be, it goes against popular perception. I can wrong but thats my perception.
Alfa/Fiat would do fine to have Chrysler as a partner. My chrysler vehicles have been as good as the other big 3 vehicles I`ve owned if not better. Call me old fashioned at 40, I support the companys that built the land of opportunity that gave us a good standard of living. Soon I`m afraid the day will come when I can`t do this, I cant totally do it now.
We should redefine our perception for our own good.
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Kunikos 11:05AM (5/28/2008)
Are you waving a flag while you type that?
whofan 6:12PM (5/28/2008)
I guess I am, Our American companys build good cars. Our Management is what sucks. Chrysler has been treated like a redheaded step child of industry for years. I`m glad to have the Chrysler option.
Fiat will insure that if they choose to work with Chrysler that their standards of quality will be met. Most problems are engineering problems as opposed to build quality.
people here will look for anything to bash our domestic auto companys based on perception rather than fact.
God help us if we loose our auto industry. Toyota and Honda could pack up and leave anytime if they choose to do so. Toyota imports at least 40% of their product now.
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