Autoblog

REPORT: Alfa Romeo nixes "Milano" designation for 147 successor, ponders Giulietta

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST

In truth, Alfa Romeo didn't simply rename the coming model formerly known as "Milano" to "Giulietta." It was Fiat's unhappy Milanese workers who made a stink awful enough to get the company to change course in nomenclature. Seems the new Milano was due to arrive as the last of the Milanese Alfisti were going to be made redundant or moved to Turin, where Fiat is headquartered. The Milan workers, dead set on not being remembered in name alone, protested to the parent company, and so the car has a new name.

That name might or might not be Giulietta, but that's supposedly where the smart money's headed. Alfa would only say that "organizational issues" prevented it from disclosing the name and pictures of the car, and gave no indication of when it would tell us what the car will be called. If Giulietta does win the name game, it would be the third time Alfa's put out a model wearing that moniker.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo nixes "Milano" designation for 147 successor, ponders Giulietta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth endurance racer - Click above to view in high resolution

Think you've seen the most hardcore 500 already? Sure, Abarth has churned out some pretty wicked versions of the retro-hatch, but even the 695 Tributo Ferrari and R3T rally machine can't hold a candle to the beast above.

Given the name, you might think this latest Cinquecento was the result of another collaboration between Abarth and its big sister companies. But this 500 is actually a product of independent racing garage Romeo Ferraris, which has rebodied the 500 in carbon fiber and fitted it with a wing that looks big enough to sustain a jumbo jet's flight path. If that's not bonkers enough, Ferraris has squeezed out an insane output of 360 horsepower from the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four. That's more than 257 horsepower per liter, and rivals even the similarly insane 427 Cinquecento from SEMA for pure lunacy.

Drivers Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Mario Ferraris will be taking turns behind the wheel at the upcoming 6 Hours of Vallelunga endurance race on November 22. We'd suggest everyone else get the hell out of the way.

[Source: CarScoop]

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler pledges to be quality leader by 2012

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat

A quick glance at recent Consumer Reports or JD Power data shows that the Pentastar has a big problem on its hands, but the new Chrysler says that will change in a big way by the end of 2012. Chrysler is planning to be a quality leader in only three years by dramatically increasing staffing levels in its quality team while working to dramatically clean up its engineering processes. Just one year ago, there were only 200 staff members on the quality team. Chrysler is now hiring 200 additional workers and shifting head count to beef up its quality team to over 1,700.

Quality boss Doug Betts, who was hired from Nissan during the Cerberus acquistion, tried to address quality before the automaker descended into bankruptcy, but Chrysler's woeful money situation led to the postponement of the Pentastar's long overdue quality renaissance. With bankruptcy in the rearview mirror and Fiat's full blessing to dig deep to fix Chrysler's competitive disadvantages, Betts now has the tools needed to make drastic changes. And some progress has already been made.

For starters, Chrysler has cut per-vehicle spending by $240 million, and warranty spending is down 30 percent to an all-time low. In 2008, 75 percent of all quality problems were design issues, and that number has reportedly dropped to 50 percent this year though better engineering. The factory floor is also receiving attention, as Chrysler is adopting Fiat's "world class" manufacturing system.

Chrysler has also made several departmental shifts to give workers more autonomy to make changes faster. In the past, problems were shifted from one department to another, resulting in an average delay of 71 days to fix a problem. Now cross-departmental teams are organized by 14 vehicle groups, like brakes or transmissions instead of by model alone. Many of the quality fixes will occur as Chrysler unveils new or heavily updated products between now and 2013. The Detroit News reports that 75 percent of all models will receive heavy duty attention within the next 14 months, and all vehicles will be updated by 2013.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler pledges to be quality leader by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Government reportedly encouraged by Fiat's plan for Chrysler, sees "huge sense of urgency"

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Fiat

Two weeks ago Fiat and Chrysler unleashed an ambitious five-year plan to return Detroit's number three automaker to financial and product health. The plan called for 14 all-new models based mostly on Fiat platforms and ten more vehicles which will receive much-needed attention. While Senator John McCain isn't so sure Chrysler will survive the next few years, Obama Auto Task Force Chief Ron Bloom likes what he sees.

Automotive News is reporting that Bloom says the Pentastar plan shows "a huge sense of urgency. We see a huge dedication and commitment, working extremely hard." Bloom also added that he agrees with CEO Sergio Marchionne when he said that team Pentastar has their work cut out for them.

Considering that the US government spent billions bailing out Chrysler, Bloom's confidence means a lot. But while the government saved Chrysler, the United Auto Workers is the company's biggest shareholder. The union currently owns 55% of the new Chrysler, and that won't change until the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker goes public and pays off its pension obligations. Marchionne has said that the public move could come as early as 2011, but Bloom says that time line could be premature. Either way, we're sure Chrysler will go public at the earliest possible time, but that time won't come until the stock-buying public sees some new products coming from Auburn Hills via Italy.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Government reportedly encouraged by Fiat's plan for Chrysler, sees "huge sense of urgency" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Dodge, Fiat

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche dishes out advice for Chrysler

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat

It's said that certain cultures don't handle the concept of irony well. You know, irony - where the intended answer is the opposite of the actual answer. Case in point: Back when cab forward cars were all the rage and the once mighty Plymouth brand was put out to pasture, Chrysler looked as if it had a fighting chance at remaining solidly within the Big 3. The Dodge Ram was a gauntlet thrown, the V10 Viper had sports car fans atwitter and the Dodge Intrepid really was a smart, good looking car.

Chrysler, meet Daimler, your new "equal." And by equal we mean Daimler gets the all the profits and you get cast off, last-generation Mercedes platforms on which to underpin your new cars. In the case of the 300C/Charger/Magnum, this particular strategy worked, for a couple of years at least. In the case of the Crossfire, not even a little bit. And then under Daimler's watch - and specifically under the eyes of Dieter Zetsche, a.k.a. Dr. Z - Chrysler was piledriven through the mat. Have you driven a Dodge Journey lately?

Here's the irony - Dr. Z is handing out unsolicited advice to Fiat's Sergio Marchionne vis-a-vis Chrysler - and we just can't help but laugh. Zetsche claims, "I continue to be emotional about this company and am crossing my fingers for the very best future." And while we're 51% sure he's being sincere, where was that emotion when he green lit the Jeep Compass? Or the Chrysler Sebring? Or the Dodge Caliber? All cars that led directly to the bankruptcy of Chrysler. We could go on, but you get the idea. Our advice to Sergio? Do the opposite of whatever Zetsche is telling you.

[Source: USA Today | Source photo by TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images]

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche dishes out advice for Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a pretty sweet little retro rocket all on its own, but the Italian automaker's performance division hasn't stopped churning out a seemingly endless stream of special editions, from the Opening Edition to the 695 Tributo Ferrari. We can now add to that list the 500 Abarth SpeedGrey by Neubauer.

Unlike the Competizione edition made specially for the Dutch market, the SpeedGrey is actually an undertaking of Neubauer, the official Abarth distributor for France. Starting with the up-rated EsseEsse spec, the Neubauer edition gets a special Monza exhaust system for an extra five horses (boosting output up to 165), a pair of Sabelt bucket seats, tinted windows, Blue&Me navigation system and special Maserati gray paint job. Looks pretty sweet, but Neubauer will only be making 10 examples exclusively for the French market, so we'll just have to bide our time until the stock hot hatch arrives Stateside.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer

[Source: Neubauer]

Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown

John Neff — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.

Models On Their Way Out

Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

View Poll

Gallery: Chrysler LLC 5-year Businnes Plan for Products

Chrysler's 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new ~~wallets~~ buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.

Gallery: Fiat 500

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Phoenix Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Phoenix

Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 427-powered Fiat 500 is the stuff dreams are made of

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Fiat, Specialty

1959 Fiat 500 Funny Car by Legacy Innovations - Click above for high-res image gallery

Okay, this is so awesome it hurts. The guys at Legacy Innovations took a perfectly lovely but woefully underpowered 1959 Fiat 500 and turned it into a Fiat 7,000. The Fiat 500 is an iconic car, one with tremendous nostalgic charm, but it was never really much good as a car until they redid it a few years ago. So although we might love the little 500, it doesn't provide a very good platform for what the Legacy Innovations guys had in mind for it - namely drag racing.

Easy fix though. They broke out the torches and gutted it. They basically removed all of the weak stuff and replaced it with a full-on 4130 chrome molly tube chassis, hinged the body in true Funny Car fashion and dropped in a 725-HP 427 small block. The body was kept relatively stock, save for the hood cutout, but they still managed to mount a pair of Hoosier slicks in back and still had room for wheelie bars that extend out far enough to effectively double the length of their little 500.

No word on how quick this baby is in the quarter, but we bet it's quick enough to embarrass just about anything else coming out of Italy. It's cars like this that make the trip to SEMA totally worthwhile.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1959 Fiat 500 by Legacy Innovations

SEMA 2009: 427-powered Fiat 500 is the stuff dreams are made of originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse - Click above for high-res image gallery

With every passing week comes another report of how Fiat and Chrysler will be sharing products. If it's not Chrysler-badged Lancias then it's Lancia-badged Chryslers or an Alfa-badged Jeep. As for the Fiat division itself, the emerging strategy appears to be to bring the 500 retro-mini over and set it up as something of a brand of its own, with sights set squarely on BMW's Mini and forgoing the rest of the Fiat line-up.

Earlier reports indicated that we'd be getting four versions of the 500 Stateside, including basic hatch, cabrio and upcoming wagon in addition to the Abarth performance model. But rather than start with the basics and work its way up, or launch the entire range simultaneously, the latest news suggests that Fiat is preparing to hit U.S. soil running by starting off with the 500 Abarth. According to WardsAuto, the Fiat 500 Abarth - complete with 133-horsepower turbocharged four, upgraded suspension and all the sporty touches that make an Abarth an Abarth - will arrive at Chrysler dealers in 2011 with an $18,000-$19,000 price tag. Fiat reportedly targets selling 20,000-25,000 units of the 500 Abarth in the first year.

By the time the 500 Abarth arrives, we'll likely be looking at an updated version with even more oomph. With the standard hatch, the open-top 500C and the upcoming Gardiniera wagon expected to follow, there's no telling if the initial model will be the only Abarth on offer, or whether Fiat will follow up with the even hotter EsseEsse version (pictured above), racing models like the Assetto Corse or R3T, an Abarth convertible or specials like the 695 Tributo Ferrari or an Opening Edition of our own.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: WardsAuto.com]

REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Finally, after years of mismanagement marked by a distinct lack of tangible product decisions, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands seem likely to get a thorough makeover via its new Fiat corporate overlords. Whether this turns into a good thing or bad thing for the three brands remains to be seen, and the stage is set for the plan to be officially released on November 4.

The Wall Street Journal has apparently procured a little inside knowledge on the plan, and, if accurate, there are a few surprises. First, the expected: Chrysler will begin offering the Fiat 500 in its own U.S. dealerships as soon as possible; Alfa Romeo will make its long-awaited American comeback with an established dealer network and the majority of the Dodge and Chrysler lineups will be reworked atop Fiat platforms, save the rear-wheel drive architecture of the Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300.

Looking further down the line, the Dodge Grand Caravan will reportedly be dropped in favor of the Chrysler Town and Country and unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro, Caliber and Avenger will be forgotten, probably along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. New models will be brought in from Fiat to replace these outgoing cars, including a new mid-size sedan in 2012. Finally, Alfa Romeo's resurgence will begin with the subcompact MiTo in 2012 and a larger sedan a year later.

We won't know how much of this is accurate until we hear it from the horse's mouth next Wednesday, but it definitely gives us plenty to chew on. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Fiat

Controversial Tibet Lancia commercial -- Click above to watch video

Fiat exec Olivier Francois has a big reputation that's based on results. As head of the Lancia brand, he has garnered it more attention than it's had in many years, and the marque sells more cars more consistently. He has done this with a flair for marketing that begs for attention, and if it takes controversy to get attention then so be it. Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne chose Francois to be the CEO of Chrysler vehicles and run the Chrysler Group's marketing, advertising and brand development and strategies. It is expected, then, that he will bring his risque marketing ways to the house of The Pentastar.

Francois was the man behind the Lancia ad that had Richard Gere driving the new Delta into Tibet. As if that weren't enough, the ad was shown during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. You can imagine how happy the Chinese were about that, but the larger story was that it worked: the ad and the controversy got play everywhere, and Fiat only had to make a formal apology to China to get on with business. Francois also made a commercial that honors Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner in Myanmar.

This is the kind of advertising, though, that's more acceptable, and probably more effective, in Europe. In America, a commercial about a robot committing suicide is cause for protests, and VW's Routan campaign in which people have babies in order to justify buying the minivan is decried as insensitive by people who can't have babies. America is not the first country where one would test the limits of corporate daring or broadcast a ribald sense of humor to a mass market audience. The complete remaking of Chrysler and the company's former history of not being just another carmaker could give Francois room to bang up against some cultural boundaries. But we'd still advise Fiat to keep a crisis PR team on hold. Follow the jump to see the Delta commercial.

[Source: Ad Age]

Continue reading REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Show Must Go On: Italy's Bologna salon forges ahead without automakers

Noah Joseph — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Earnings/Financials, Fiat

Local auto shows overseas like the one in Bologna don't really make a blip on our radar screens. Manufacturers might, upon occasion, use the venues to unveil a new product variant of generally limited consequence, but aside from the big shows in the United States, the significant foreign debuts for the U.S. market take place at the major shows like Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris and Tokyo. But if you thought the big shows were hit hard by a cost-conscious industry in remission, that's nothing compared to what Bologna's local show organizers are facing.

When we say "local shows," we're not talking about small towns, either: we're talking about the biggest shows in some of the biggest markets. After many major automakers withdrew, the organizers of the British Motor Show had to cancel the event for 2010. Barcelona's show has gone ahead, but only after significant government incentives. Now organizers of the Bologna Motor Show, the largest in Italy, have announced that the show must go on... despite the withdrawal of every major automaker that was expected to display there.

Last year's show in Bologna drew nearly a million spectators, keen to see what the industry had to offer under one roof. But the Fiat group - which comprises the vast majority of the country's carmakers - informed the organizers it wouldn't be participating. An offer was made to provide the space free of charge, but the remaining costs proved too high (vehicle transport, erecting a display, staffing, etc.), and shortly after, the rest of the industry followed suit, leaving the show with nothing to show. That hasn't deterred the organizers, however, who have shortened the run time from nine days to five and loaded it with motorsport displays in the adjacent stadium. Thus, the diehards will have something to flock to, but nobody's expecting the show to come anywhere near previous attendance numbers.

[Source: Bologna Motor Show]

The Show Must Go On: Italy's Bologna salon forges ahead without automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler, Fiat partnering on electric car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Electric

Dodge Circuit EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a little more than three weeks, Sergio Marchionne will reveal his 5-year plan for Chrysler. According to information revealed by a Fiat exec and Chrysler board member Alfredo Altavilla last week, at least one electric car will be part of it. While visiting a gearbox factory in Italy, Altavilla confirmed that the presumed-dead electric car program is in progress and being worked on by Chrysler and Fiat. He gave no further comment on the matter.

Chrysler, through its ENVI in-house electric propulsion division, currently has four electric vehicles: the Dodge Circuit EV (shown), Jeep Patriot EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, and Chrysler Town & Country EV. The ENVI site claims that you'll be able to own at least one electric model by 2010, and there will be "at least three more models available by 2013." Those claims could be outdated, however; we'll have to wait until November 4 to get clarity on the future. But if there's an electric Fiat 500 in there, well, let's just say we won't be disappointed...

Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: Chrysler, Fiat partnering on electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lancia Delta coming to America with a Chrysler badge?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat, Rumormill, Luxury

2009 Lancia Delta - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois as head of the Chrysler motor division, we can expect the two companies to collaborate on future products and take advantage of economies of scale. With Lancia operating exclusively overseas and Chrysler primarily in North America, the two brands can share products without having to worry much about stepping on one another's toes. But while that cooperation is expected to manifest itself in new models that have to be developed, new reports suggest that the tie-in could begin a lot earlier than that.

Although there doesn't appear to be much to substantiate the claims beyond extrapolation and speculation, word on the Italian street is that the current Lancia Delta could make it over here - together with the Fiat 500 and a handful of Alfa Romeos - as a Chrysler. Although the quasi-premium hatchback has quirky styling, we've found the execution of Lancia interiors to be top-notch. Whether car buyers in America would be interested remains to be seen, but there could be a business case to be made for giving Chrysler a competitor to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series without the cost and time involved in developing a new vehicle.

Gallery: 2009 Lancia Delta

[Source: eurocarblog]

Rumormill: Lancia Delta coming to America with a Chrysler badge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Abarth hatching plans for new hot hatches

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat's Abarth performance division only has two basic product lines, so how many revisions can it possibly have on the burner? Well, two, as reports emerging from Europe suggest.

Following hot on the heels of the 695 Tributo Ferrari unveiled in Frankfurt and the rally-spec R3T presented in Sanremo, come spy photos of an Abarth version of the ragtop Fiat 500C. Reports first emerged of an Abarth 500C a couple of months back, but what looks to be a working example has been spied at Abarth's Officine 83 Mirafiori facility. Sources expect a possible debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Meanwhile, there are also more reports of an updated Punto Abarth. The hot hatch is expected to wear cosmetic modifications concurrent with the new Fiat Punto Evo, and the 170hp 1.4-liter MultiAir four from the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadifoglio Verde is tipped to replaced the existing 155hp engine. Reports also suggest that the Abarth could be one of the first Fiat group products to showcase the company's new six-speed dual-dry-clutch transmission.

While the new Punto isn't expected to make it Stateside, there's a strong chance the Abarth 500 will. However there's no word yet as to if and when the 500 range might get the MultiAir engine and DSG.

[Sources: eurocarblog and jokeforblog]

Spy Shots: Abarth hatching plans for new hot hatches originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Amidst the confirmation that chief executive Sergio Marchionne was splitting off the Dodge Ram truck unit into its own division of the Chrysler Group came the announcement of some executive re-shuffles in Auburn Hills. Among them, Lancia CEO Olivier Francois was appointed head of the Chrysler brand. But according to the latest reports, the sharing of a chief executive is only the tip of the North Atlantic iceberg for cooperation between the Chrysler and Lancia.

Long subsisting like it's the Plymouth of the Fiat Group, Lancia lacks a strong product portfolio. But while it isn't expected to join its sister brands in the transatlantic journey to the American market, the sharing and co-development of new products with Chrysler could get the quirky Fiat division back on track.

Among those products that stand to be shared between the two quasi-premium brands are the next-generation models of the Chrysler 300 (which could underpin a replacement for the discontinued Lancia Thesis), Chrysler Sebring, and Lancia Ypsilon hatchback.

Meanwhile, Francois, who joined Fiat in 2005 from his position as a regional manager for Citroën, is emerging as a rising star within both auto groups: his responsibilities now put him in charge of both Chrysler and Lancia, as well as marketing, advertising and branding for no less than nine brands: Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. If it wasn't clear before, it's now plainly obvious who has replaced Luca de Meo as Marchionne's right hand man.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Fiat

On Thursday, Fiat is expected to put its John Hancock on a preliminary agreement to close its purchase of Carrozzeria Bertone, the coachbuilding arm of the Bertone company. In August Fiat won the right to acquire the builder, and it will throw €150 million at its operations over the next three years to return it to glory... or at the least allow it to begin producing new models.

Specific vehicles haven't been mentioned, but when (if) the Bertone factory reopens in late 2011, it's expected the production center will make the car that replaces the Euro-spec 300C. As a side note, that could be interesting because the European 300C is currently built by Magna, in Austria, and if Fiat brings production in-house that would mean more contract work taken from Opel's new papa. Jeep knockdown kits could also be shipped over and built for European consumption.

The purchase gives Fiat no stake in Stile Bertone, the now independent design firm that brought out the Mantide, so don't get your hopes up about wildly styled Chrysler supercars being built in northern Italy. Yet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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