Despite Fiat deal, Chrysler will still get small cars from Nissan
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept
Fiat's tentative global alliance with Chrysler should have the desired effect of bolstering the American automaker's nonexistent small car line and give Fiat access to a nationwide network of dealerships in the United States. Don't forget, however, that Nissan also has a deal in place with Chrysler that predates its tie-up with Fiat, and the Japanese automaker fully expects to make good on the arrangement that would provide Chrysler with two small cars developed by Nissan in exchange for one full-size Ram-based truck to replace the aging Titan. The first vehicle to spawn from this alliance is the Dodge Trazo C1.8 sedan, a carbon copy of the Nissan Versa (known as the Tiida in some other parts of the world) and sold in South America.
Before Fiat was ever considered (at least publicly) as a partner, it was assumed after initial negotiations with China's Chery failed to pan out that the second vehicle Nissan would develop would be at least partially inspired by the Dodge Hornet first seen in concept form back in 2006. Since the arrangement with Nissan was announced back in April of 2008, it's probably safe to assume that development work on the protracted small car project for Dodge is already underway and will conclude as planned. Whether or not any fruit of Chrysler's partnership with Nissan will be sold in the U.S. or just South American markets is unknown, as Fiat has plenty of small cars that could be built, badged with a Pentastar and sold in on American soil.
Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept
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[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
geo.stewart 8:12AM (1/28/2009)
still like the Hornet concept, but then:
the Compass Concept looked really good and now we have the lackluster oddly shaped production version.
the Nassau concept was nice but we got the Sebring
the Atlantic concept was gorgeous but we got nothing
so maybe we are better off with just pining for the concept.
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Sea Urchin 8:50AM (1/28/2009)
Hornet is an SUV like small car, much like Caliber, which is not efficient, cheap inside and well... Dodge.
huisj203 11:11AM (1/28/2009)
The hornet isn't all that SUVish. I'd see it more along the lines of a scion/fit/fiesta type of vehicle.
But it won't matter, because who really thinks it'll actually ever come out? Too bad, because I agree, the concept was solid looking. But it's been what, 3 or 4 years since that, and there's no evidence that it's coming any time soon.
rypt 11:54AM (1/28/2009)
Must agree, that does look nice. Much nicer than the xB or Matrix
Torrent 1:22PM (1/28/2009)
The new hornet.
http://www.creativeconceptcars.com/wp-content/uploads/gem-peapod.jpg
rawfull
Richard 8:16AM (1/28/2009)
That makes perfect sense per the rumors that Fiat is in talks with Renault.
Essentially - if this all comes to pass - you could end up with a giant global corporation that makes 1 decent car: the GT-R! (Alfa Romeo notwithstanding).
OK, maybe the G37 Coupe'
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Beastage 9:30AM (1/28/2009)
I'm pretty sure Fiat+Renault-Nissan+Chrysler have more than 1 decent car :P
That is a pretty huge merger possibility tbh
Richard 9:32AM (1/28/2009)
Certainly they do..but not as a percentage of the total models they build as a combined global corporation.
But think of the $ they can suck from governments around the world!
Stéphane Dumas 7:25PM (1/28/2009)
currently elsewhere there a rumor of talks between Fiat and BMW
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/fiat-to-jump-into-bed-with-bmw-too/ could we add soon Chrysler-Fiat-BMW-Renault/Nissan to the list? ;-)
Now can we imagine the next-gens GT-R, Challenger, Alfa models using the same platform?
ronEbear 8:45AM (1/28/2009)
I wish Datsun was still around....
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zamafir 10:04AM (1/28/2009)
Honestly, is Chrysler going to be bringing any new cars to market? Or are they simply going to be a clearing house for rebranded cars from other car makers as hey have zero capital to engage in R&D? If we're looking at the second option, why even remain in business?
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Patrick 12:51PM (1/28/2009)
The Versa is ugly and compares poorly to other compacts. Sounds like a perfect fit for Chrysler!
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Torrent 1:19PM (1/28/2009)
rofl
gtfo.
GOT 3:16AM (1/30/2009)
Does Chrysler even know who they are partnered with anymore? I'm so confused.
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