Fiat planning to ship 500, Alfa Romeo 940 to U.S. next year
Click either image for a high-res gallery
As soon as word hit that Fiat and Chrysler were striking a deal, visions of 500s and Alfas began dancing in our heads. According to an anonymous source speaking with Automotive News, those visions aren't too far off, and they could be realized within a year.
In a bid to kick-start Fiat and Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S., the automaker could start exporting vehicles to the States as early as 2010. After which – and assuming the reception's warm – Fiat would begin producing the 500 and the new Alfa 940 (the 149 replacement) in North America in mid-2011. At the onset, the first models available would be limited to a few thousand and would be sold through Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep retailers.Furthermore, the deal between the two automakers would give Chrysler access to four Fiat platforms, ranging from minicars to mid-sizers, along with 1.4- and 1.8-liter engines and a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (internally dubbed the G365), that would pick up where Chrysler's failed alliance with Getrag left off.
AN also reports that Fiat is considering using the Chrysler LX platform, which currently underpins the 300 and Dodge Charger, as the basis for the perpetually-delayed, upper-premium Alfa Romeo 169. A rear-wheel-drive sedan with Alfa's stunning sheetmetal? Our interest is piqued, but we're not holding our breath.
Gallery: Fiat 500
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
HotRodzNKustoms 9:10AM (2/16/2009)
Um... what is an Alfa 940???
I'm excited I will finally be able to buy an Alfa Romeo either way.
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HotRodzNKustoms 9:25AM (2/16/2009)
ok so I'm guessing Damon used the internal designation of "Progetto 940" to say 149.
If they offer the 149 with awd here in the states I will buy the first one in the country.
Einwiwi 9:26AM (2/16/2009)
Its the code name for the Alfa 149
Einwiwi 9:27AM (2/16/2009)
too late ... :-)
Richard 11:29AM (2/16/2009)
@HotRod,
You'll have to get in line behind me!
BigWill 9:12AM (2/16/2009)
While this is great news in general, I don't see what it does for Chrysler. There's limited volume which means relatively little money, plus there's not much aura effect. IOW, I can't see someone going to a Dodge dealer to look at an Alfa MiTo and leaving with a Caliber.
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Sea Urchin 9:52AM (2/16/2009)
Well certain select Chrysler dealers can sell Alfas to people who know what Alfas are---enthusiasts. That should at least give dealers some breathing room.
Fiat 500, is sold as a Chrysler also should bring in some much needed cash.
travisty 10:29AM (2/16/2009)
@Sea Urchin - not sure if that's how it's going to play out, but if they bring the 500 over (as is) as a Chrysler, it'll die a horrible, horrible death. Nobody who's looking at a Chrysler is going to want some rebranded Italian mini-car, and anybody who's looking for a real Fiat 500 is going to want Chrysler badging.
travisty 10:38AM (2/16/2009)
edit - ISN'T going to want Chrysler badging.
BigWill 3:35PM (2/16/2009)
"That should at least give dealers some breathing room."
How? Considering that there are ~3,000 Chrysler-Dodge dealerships and this article says "the first models available would be limited to a few thousand", that averages out to two Fiat/Alfas per dealer. I'm not seeing two or three Fiat/Alfas giving ANY dealer breathing room unless there's a halo effect, and I'm sorry but that absolutely AIN'T happening.
The other thing that makes this press release smell like a diversionary tactic is the whole tranny thing. The Getrag plant was supposed to make transmissions for the Phoenix engine family. The Fiat G635 (not G365) cannot handle the power output of most of the Phoenix engines, so guess who gets to spend resources to beef up or redesign the G635? Hint - it's not Fiat.
Mirko 9:15AM (2/16/2009)
Exactly, what the hell is a 940?
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travisty 9:18AM (2/16/2009)
All I want to know, is where do I leave my deposit for the Abarth 500?
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Kumail 9:34AM (2/16/2009)
I don't know, but I'll follow you.
Rocketboy 11:30AM (2/16/2009)
Can I trade in my MINI for one?
GOT 12:01PM (2/16/2009)
The Abarth! I want a 500 Abarth esseesse!
What would really rock is if we could get the "Assetto Corse" kit as well.
banzairx7 12:36PM (2/16/2009)
Me too! I would love to be drive an Abarth SS
Scot 9:20AM (2/16/2009)
“We are currently working on a plan to begin shipping the Fiat 500 minicar and the Alfa Romeo 940-project [the code-name of the 147 entry-premium replacement] to the US in about a year from now,” a person familiar with the matter told Automotive News Europe under condition of anonymity.
In other news I want to buy this new 147...
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Ligor 9:41AM (2/16/2009)
hot looking sedan on the 300C RWD platform
i wnt one, but will it be $50k? that'll just be a few $10k to much
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jc 9:58AM (2/16/2009)
This minicar segment is going to be blazing hot.
Gas will be high again and people won't be able to afford anything due to the world financial collapse worsening.
Any manufacturer who doesn't adapt will die.(or be artificially sustained by a socialist government).
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jim3480 10:08AM (2/16/2009)
The 940 is the codeword for the new 149, which is based off of the new C-evo platform and will replace the current aging 147.
It is a 5-door hatchback as the MiTo will remain the 3-door hatchback offering. Google 149 images. It is beyond hot for an entry-level premium vehicle that will finally provide much-needed competition to the Mini, as well as the A3, GTI...etc. It will be interesting to see if USA gets the full line of engines offered in Europe (doubtful, but I am crossing my fingers).
149 is going to be my next car...aiming for around 2011. I've got to believe that America has finally woken up and will take to new hot hatches with sexy styling and great mpg!
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