Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-launch-four-special-editions-in-first-quarter-of-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-launch-four-special-editions-in-first-quarter-of-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-launch-four-special-editions-in-first-quarter-of-201/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Much has been made of Chrysler's apparent lack of new products for the 2010 model year. Suffice it to say, while there are big things in store for Chrysler, they will take at least another year to get into production. For instance, while removing the unsightly strakes from the hood of the unloved Sebring sedan and convertible is a nice gesture, it's not nearly far enough to make the car suddenly competitive with its chief rivals in the ultra competitive mid-size sedan arena.

Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates - 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser - get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.

First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).

Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above - that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.

Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Fiat is hard at work trying to come up with the best available use of its newly acquired Chrysler arm. Part of that plan may be to sell more Chrysler products in Europe, and Fiat just so happens to have an available factory to build them in. Automotive News is reporting that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company would use its freshly purchased Carrozzeria Bertone plant near Turin, Italy. Fiat purchased the facility in July, just a few weeks after Chrysler exited chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Marchionne declined to discuss which vehicles would be built at the factory, but those following the Italian automaker have plenty of reasonable guesses. AN quotes sources who say the facility could open as soon as late 2011, and it could build the next generation Chrysler 300. The upcoming new 300 will reportedly begin production in the US in early 2011, and the 300's RWD platform is rumored to be used in future Alfa and/or Lancia models. The sources also claim Jeep models could be built in other Fiat facilities by using complete knock down kits shipped from here in the US.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images]

Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat may replace the Dodge Sprinter with its own Ducato or Iveco Daily
Fiat Ducato - Click above for high-res image gallery

Easy come, easy go - that's apparently Chrysler's luck with repurposed European-market work trucks. For the last few years, Chrysler has offered the German-designed Sprinter van under the Dodge nameplate. Mercedes-Benz wants its rig back, so it's taking the well-regarded work vehicle out of Pentastar dealerships and anointing about 120 of its own dealerships as Sprinter outlets. Consider it more terms of Chrysler's divorce from its one-time masters.

Now that Chrysler's ownership has moved south to Italy's Fiat, the Euro-work-truck hole in the showroom may be filled by something from the new management's portfolio. The Iveco Daily from Fiat's work truck division might easily fill the Sprinter's void. About the same size as the full-length Sprinter, the Daily might be a little too much for buyers considering the shorter versions of the captive Daimler. Fiat's Ducato might be a better fit, offering the tall format that Sprinter buyers have found useful without being quite as large at the Iveco.

If either truck heads this way to fill the void, it will not be badged as a Fiat. Gualberto Ranieri, Chrysler's Senior Vice President of Communications, has asserted that "the only Fiat vehicle in North America will be the Fiat 500. Period."


Gallery: Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily

1280_080915_fp_ducato_021280_081119_fp_ducato1280_aal113291280_b05

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Will Chrysler get Fiat Ducato or Iveco Daily to replace departing Sprinter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As Chrysler moves forward with its post bankruptcy product plans, it's looking increasingly like consolidation with new partner Fiat is the order of the day. Following the cancellation of the platform sharing deal with Nissan, it appears as if the company's interest in the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance could be the next victim. The agreement in question was formed early this decade between what was then DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi to produce common four-cylinder engines for the three automakers. Since then, variants of the engine design have turned up in cars as diverse as the Jeep Compass and Patriot, Hyundai Sonata and Mitsubishi Lancer.

Part of Fiat's rationale for getting involved with Chrysler was the expanding economies of scale for its own products. That means future Chryslers will almost certainly get Italian designed fours to go with the company's new Phoenix V6. It's not clear what the fate of the five-year-old Dundee, MI engine plant that supplies the Chrysler engines will be. If the alliance is dissolved, it could be taken over by Chrysler-Fiat and re-tooled to build Fiat-based engines.

Automotive News is also reporting that the Ram diesel could get a new lease on life. However, the planned Cummins 5.0-liter V8 could be replaced by - you guessed it - a Fiat diesel.


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

REPORT: Chrysler could pull out of Global Engine alliance, put Fiat diesel in Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler fiatchrysler fiat partnerChryslerFiatChryslerFiatPartnergemagema pull outGemaPullOutglobal engine manufacturing allianceGlobalEngineManufacturingAllianceSat, 29 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler to display at Fiat booth in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/report-chrysler-to-display-at-fiat-booth-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/report-chrysler-to-display-at-fiat-booth-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/report-chrysler-to-display-at-fiat-booth-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chrysler Deputy CEO Jim Press arrives on stage at the 2009 New York Auto Show in a Fiat 500

Ever since the deal for Fiat to effectively take control of the troubled Chrysler group took effect, we've harbored a lot of questions over how the two companies would interact. With Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne taking the big office in Auburn Hills, some speculated that the two automakers would, in essence, merge, while others looked to Nissan and Renault chief exec Carlos Ghosn as a potential example - that is, keeping the two companies allied but run separately. Well, we may have our first glimpse at the answer with reports that the two automakers will be displaying together as one unit at next month's upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

Both Chrysler and Fiat have a history of making big splashes at auto shows, and Frankfurt will be the first major car expo since the alliance was reached. Chrysler, for the most part, has kept a low profile since emerging from bankruptcy two months ago. And according to the latest reports, Chrysler will be limited to a section of the Fiat stand. Whatever approach Marchionne takes towards his two charges in Frankfurt, you can bet everyone will be taking notice.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Chrysler to display at Fiat booth in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShowchryslerchrysler fiatChryslerFiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowfrankfurtmotorshowThu, 27 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alfa Romeo to lead American charge, Fiat 500 to go it alone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-alfa-romeo-to-lead-american-charge-fiat-500-to-go-it-al/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-alfa-romeo-to-lead-american-charge-fiat-500-to-go-it-al/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-alfa-romeo-to-lead-american-charge-fiat-500-to-go-it-al/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Alfa Romeo has been toying with the idea of returning to America for years, but now that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is working from Auburn Hills, the time seems more ripe than ever as details emerge on Fiat/Chrysler's strategy vis-a-vis the North American market. While Marchionne implements management restructuring designed to reduce Chrysler's executive hierarchy and separate its divisions into more independent units, a product strategy is rapidly being put into place to make up for lost time during the bankruptcy procedure and get the company back on track.

With Maserati and Ferrari already present in North America and Lancia offering little to entice North American buyers, the Italian side of the partnership looks poised to enter the market with Fiat and Alfa Romeo models. However, while future Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps will share underpinnings with their Fiat and Alfa Romeo counterparts - including an Alfa GTX to be based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee - the Fiat brand itself will have a very limited presence in the North American market, offering only the 500 retro hatchback as a stand-alone model... not unlike BMW's Mini brand. Other Fiat models will carry Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep badges, while Alfa Romeo will take the higher profile on this side of the Atlantic, offering cars under the stoic marque to compete with other European luxury brands. As the Freep points out, Chrysler and Alfa had collaborated in the early '90s to bring Alfas Stateside with limited success, but Marchionne evidently thinks it'll have better luck this time around.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo to lead American charge, Fiat 500 to go it alone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoAlfaRomeochryslerchrysler fiatchrysler llcchrysler restructuringChryslerFiatChryslerLlcChryslerRestructuringdetroit ffee pressDetroitFfeePressfiatfiat 500fiat chryslerFiat500FiatChryslerfreepsergio marchionneSergioMarchionneFri, 26 Jun 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler pondering whether Sebring/Avenger replacements should go rear-wheel drive?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-chrysler-pondering-whether-sebring-avenger-replacements/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-chrysler-pondering-whether-sebring-avenger-replacements/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-chrysler-pondering-whether-sebring-avenger-replacements/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chrysler 200C concept car - click above for high-res image gallery

Setting the Challenger and 300 aside, what Chrysler needs now most of all is a C/D segment car that moves more metal than the pitiful performance of its current offerings. According to Automotive News, Chrysler shifted just 133,626 of its Sebring and Dodge Avenger platform-mates, a number that pales in comparison to class leaders like the Toyota Camry (436,617) and Honda Accord (372,789). The constant clamor to put the 200C concept into production in some form has got Chrysler looking for ways to make that car a reality, but finding a platform that will play on Main Street is a thorny little chestnut.

Replacing the universally jeered Sebring and Dodge Avenger (and their Mitsubishi platform) by going rear-wheel drive is a possibility. The 200C show car sat on a shortened version of the LX platform, in theory inviting both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Fiat's D-Evo platform, debuting with the replacement for Alfa Romeo's 159, is another possibility, but there are concerns it may not be flexible enough to grow to the size the 200C needs. Fiat's bid for General Motors' Opel unit brought with it speculation that the 200C could snag the Epsilon platform, but that's since fallen off the radar.

While a rear-drive Chrysler midsizer sporting the sharp exterior and interior design of the 200C and priced like a Fusion would be something distinctive, the sales case for such a departure from the class-norm of FWD remains yet to be convincingly argued. Tuned properly, such a vehicle could give much higher-zoot iron a run for its money, and performance enthusiasts likely would embrace such a model; though they may not actually buy one. Chrysler needs to close sales, not set internet chatrooms abuzz, so regardless of how it comes to market, the 200C must be more fully realized than the current Chrysler midsizers.


Gallery: Chrysler 200C Concept


[Source: Automotive News (subs req)]

Chrysler pondering whether Sebring/Avenger replacements should go rear-wheel drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Episode #131 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam, and Dan sat down and kicked the ball around. The most important news when we rolled our recorders was the Supreme Court's staying of Chrysler's deal with Fiat. Staying with Fiat, we also kibbitzed about the nameplate's showing in a new J.D. Power satisfaction study. Ferrari's green efforts are next in our bombsights before we touch on GM's winding down of its medium-duty trucks and the call from some politicos to boycott General Motors. Wrapping up, we cover a few questions and call it a night. Thanks for listening, and as always, shoot us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com.


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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #131

Autoblog Podcast #131 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #130 of the Autoblog Podcast sees Chris, Sam, and Dan kibbitzing over the obvious news, but it's not an All-GM-Bankruptcy show. Starting with General Motors (after all, it's a huge event) we move on to Magna's deal with Opel (and GM, coincidentally). Volvo's clever implementation of a diesel hybrid in its wagon comes next before talk turns to Fiat-based Chryslers. It all wraps up at about an hour and a half after we polish off some of your questions. Thanks for listening, hit us up at Podcast at autoblog dot com with questions/comments/praise/scorn.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #130

Autoblog Podcast #130 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Late Sunday night, U.S. bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez approved the sale of Chrysler's remaining good assets to a group that includes the UAW VEBA health care trust, Fiat, and the U.S. and Canadian governments. The union will get a 68% stake, Fiat gets 20% and the governments split the rest. Gonzalez over-ruled virtually all objections to the deal on the grounds that the best chance of preserving any value in the assets was to move ahead with the sale. The only other viable alternative was liquidation, which would likely only bring a small fraction of the potential value in keeping the company alive.

Gonzalez cited the public interest as one of the reasons to move ahead with the sale. Because the billions of dollars in loans from the two governments, keeping the company alive it was decided that this course of action was the best opportunity for some repayment. Senior lenders will receive $2 billion, or about .29 cents on the dollar of the debt currently owed by Chrysler. Some 90 percent of the company's senior lenders were reportedly in support of the deal.

The "new" Chrysler will henceforth be known as Chrysler Group LLC.

[Source: Reuters]

Officially, Official: Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Chrysler assets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it for Episode #127 of the Autoblog Podcast. Of course, there are the usual tangents around the topics, which this week include BMW's new Z4, a poll about Hybrids, Chrysler's bankruptcy, Toyota's losses, Opel's new Astra and the possibility of General Motors building US-market cars in China, and we make time for some questions at the end. It's an hour show this week, and a chock-full one at that. Next week, it's a reader-question edition, so get your emails rolling in to podcast at autoblog dot com and we'll see you next week! Thanks for listening!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #127

Autoblog Podcast #127 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastchrysler bankruptchrysler bankruptcychrysler bankruptcy approvedchrysler fiatChryslerBankruptChryslerBankruptcyChryslerBankruptcyApprovedChryslerFiatfeaturedgm chinaGmChinaopel astraOpelAstrapodcasttoyota lossesToyotaLossesThu, 14 May 2009 16:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #127Autoblog56:15<![CDATA[BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/breaking-marchionne-confirmed-as-post-bankruptcy-chrysler-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After weeks of speculation, Fiat confirmed today that its CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will assume the same role with Chrysler once it exits bankruptcy. According to statements from the Obama administration, Chrysler could emerge from "surgical bankruptcy" in as little as 30 to 60 days, after which Chrysler's current chief executive Bob Nardelli will step down and Marchionne will step in.

A dual Canadian and Italian citizen, the Ontario-educated Marchionne is credited with turning the Fiat Group around from a money-losing enterprise into one of the largest and most successful automakers in the industry. After taking over the helm at Fiat five years ago, Marchionne said he would need to double its sales to 5.5 million units annually in order to make the company financially viable. His vision for separating Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo out of their parent company and into a new auto group together with Chrysler (and potentially with GM's European and Latin American assets) would make it the second-largest automaker in the world, with 6 million cars produced annually. The bulk of the debts, however, would remain with the shells of their former organizations, leaving the new one unencumbered and free to regroup. There's no further news at this point as to when Chrysler will emerge from its Chapter 11 proceedings, allowing Marchionne to step in, or how the reported Treasury Dept. regulations will affect Marchionne's salary, but we can expect to hear plenty more on this highly-rated executive and his vision for reshaping the auto industry in the very near future.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Giuseppe Cacace/Getty]

BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler has been trying to shack up with another automaker for quite a while now, and the trail of relationships that never got off the ground reads like a middle school diary. While Chrysler's deal with Fiat has all but gotten 500s rolling out of plants on this continent, a deal with Kia had been worked pretty hard as a way to source a car, resulting in a term sheet for the relationship. Kia ultimately put the kibosh on the deal, citing manufacturing issues, a move that sent Tom LaSorda around the globe trying to play matchmaker for his employer.

A deal with Nissan to swap trucks for small cars was all but official, but fell apart after the financial climate worsened further, so it seems there will be no Ram-based Titan after all. Another joint deal was investigated, this time with GAZ and Magna, to build a car in Russia using excess GAZ capacity. Serious talks with General Motors even went on under the "Project America" moniker back in October. For all the efforts to get the Auburn Hills automaker betrothed, it finally seems like things are moving along with an assist from Fiat, and we should start to see the nuts and bolts of the deal come together now.

[Source: WSJ]

The Chrysler-Kia alliance that never was originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think Fiat's getting a pretty sweet deal with Chrysler? The Italian automaker is, after all, gaining a 20% stake in the troubled American automaker, plus local manufacturing capacity and access to its dealer networks, all without paying a thin dime. Not a bad deal, but Chrysler's hard at work trying to make it sweeter. Emerging reports suggest that if the deal between Fiat and Chrysler were to fall apart, Chrysler would be obligated to pay Fiat $35 million in severance fees.

Chrysler is currently pursuing the clause in the courts administering its bankruptcy protection. The reasoning is that Fiat has put in the time and money into pursuing the partnership that would allow Chrysler to continue operating, and if the courts - or anyone else, for that matter - were to terminate the arrangement, Fiat would deserve compensation. A similar clause worked out well for Fiat after its partnership with General Motors was terminated. The tables now turned, Fiat has certainly come a long way since then.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Chris McGrath/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler pursuing clause to award Fiat $35 million if deal falls apart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler fiatChryslerFiatfiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerseverance clauseSeveranceClauseseverenceterminationtermination clauseTerminationClauseTue, 05 May 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler begins "New Car Company" ad campaign in newspapers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/chrysler-begins-advertising-new-car-company-in-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/chrysler-begins-advertising-new-car-company-in-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/chrysler-begins-advertising-new-car-company-in-newspapers/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the midst of being taken over by Fiat ("alliance" sounds too egalitarian) and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, Chrysler LLC fears that potential shoppers might forget that it's still in the business of selling cars and trucks. This sounds like a job for the Marketing Dept.! The automaker's message makers ran the ad you see here (click to enlarge) in "dozens of major newspapers across the country" over the weekend as part of its new "We Build" ad campaign. The tagline "We're Building a New Car Company" is accompanied by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200C Concept and Dodge Circuit EV Concept. The copy below the vehicles tries to explain in flattering terms without using the word "bankruptcy" that Chrysler's got some things cooking, its "alliance" with Fiat and the technology sharing that will result being the biggest carrot.

A couple things struck as odd, though. For one, only one vehicle shown is an actual production vehicle, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the other two being concepts, though the Dodge Circuit EV is in development (we've actually driven it). Two, when are marketing departments going to get that advertising in newspapers is not the best way to reach the most people with your message anymore? Honestly, had it not been for this post on Chrysler's employee communications blog, The Scoop, we would have never known because we don't read newspapers anymore unless they're offered on a Kindle. Chrysler says the ad campaign will continue in print, TV and radio later this week and highlight specific products, but still no web penetration. Save a tree people, go digital.

[Source: The Scoop]

Chrysler begins "New Car Company" ad campaign in newspapers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Will we see a new line of Fiats in America in just 18 months? According to Chrysler vice chairman and president Tom LaSorda, the answer is "yes." Responding to reports that some analysts predict it will take upwards of three years before the first Fiat is (once again) sold in America, LaSorda said:
"We've done a lot of pre-work in terms of homologations and emissions. Eighteen months is practical. Three years is fundamentally wrong. We can do it faster."
Of course, in light of Thursday's bankruptcy filing at Chrysler, perhaps a better question is whether we'll still see Chrysler vehicles in 18 months. Jim Press, another Chrysler VP, says the ailing automaker still plans to reduce the number of nameplates it currently sells and offer Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers under one roof. It remains to be seen how Fiat fits in to the discussion, but CEO Sergio Marchionne says they are indeed coming.

So, what's up first? Hard to say, but LaSorda did suggest that the retrotastic Fiat 500 MINI-fighter is likely to be built somewhere in the United States, Canada or Mexico for sales in the U.S. market.


Gallery: Fiat 500


[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Chrysler products from Fiat could be here in 18 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to take poll after the jump

It's not often your company both files for bankruptcy and gets new owners in a single day, but that's just what happened to Chrysler today. We've had some time to digest all the details after President Obama's press conference at noon, and here's what we know...

  • Blame it on the creditors - President Obama cited Chrysler's creditors' refusal to accept a debt-for-equity swap as the main reason filing for Chapter 11 was the only option left.
  • Chrysler divided - 55% will be owned by the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA), 10% shared proportionally between U.S. and Canadian governments, 20% owned by Fiat.
  • Fiat's got goals - Remaining 15% of company will be distributed to Fiat in three 5% increments for meeting the following goals: creating U.S.-built 40-mpg vehicle platform, providing a U.S.-built fuel-efficient engine family and giving Chrysler access to global distribution network.
  • Nardelli nixed - Current Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli will leave after the alliance with Fiat is completed and the company emerges from bankruptcy, though he has stated that he was not asked to leave. UPDATE: Former CEO Tom LaSorda will retire and Chrysler's President Jim Press will be sticking around.
  • GMAC gets the job - Chrysler Financial has been replaced by GMAC as Chrysler's preferred lender for wholesale and retail transactions.
  • In-and-Out - Chrysler and the U.S. Auto Task Force estimate the company will emerge from bankruptcy in 30 to 60 days.
  • Dealerships to be cut -- No surprise, but Chrysler's dealer network will be cut down as part of the restructuring. No hard numbers are available yet, but expect details to follow in the next 24 hours.
  • Business as usual - Chrysler will largely run as normal in the interim, being funded by government-backed debtor-in-possession financing; warranties will be honored, suppliers paid and dealers supplied with inventory, but no new vehicles will be built until bankruptcy terms are finalized.
Follow the jump to our informal poll and read the official press release from Chrysler, and check out some more good analysis from our friends over at thedetroitbureau.com.

[Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Breakdown of Chrysler's Big Day [w/POLL]

Breakdown of Chrysler's Big Day [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob nardelliBobNardellichryslerchrysler bankruptcychrysler fiatChryslerBankruptcyChryslerFiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerThu, 30 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Obama planning to announce Chrysler bankruptcy tomorrow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-obama-planning-to-announce-chrysler-bankruptcy-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-obama-planning-to-announce-chrysler-bankruptcy-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-obama-planning-to-announce-chrysler-bankruptcy-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to a report by Bloomberg citing the usual unnamed sources, President Obama will announce tomorrow that Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while continuing to work on its alliance with Fiat.

Bloomberg's source made it clear that the there are still several loose ends and the plan "is not finished yet," but it will likely involve Chrysler's strongest assets being bundled and sold to a new entity. In that scenario, Fiat would become a 20% owner of the Auburn Hills-based automaker, the UAW retiree health-care trust would take a 55% percent stake and the government would gobble up the rest. Essentially, it's the same out-of-court deal initially proposed, but now, with all the benefits (and hurdles) of bankruptcy protection.

No surprise then that Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, was right in his assessment (see below), nor is it a shocker to anyone that's been following Chrysler's trials and tribulations over the last week and beyond.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Obama planning to announce Chrysler bankruptcy tomorrow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Bravo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For Chrysler, the cornerstone of its proposed alliance with Fiat is for the Italian automaker to supply its domestic partner with smaller, more fuel efficient platforms and drivetrains. It's been assumed that the Fiat 500 would be one of the vehicles Chrysler plans to market in the U.S., but according to a the Wall Street Journal, it may have more than a subcompact up its sleeve.

According to the report, Chrysler showed its (troubled) dealers the automaker's future products today in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and along with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a revised Chrysler 300, a "sporty little sedan" produced by Fiat was in attendance.

Chrysler's head of design, Ralph Gilles, told dealers that the automaker intends to have its own version of the car, with Fiat providing the chassis and Chrysler designing the exterior.

Although the WSJ's source didn't specify which Fiat was shown, informed speculation says that it was likely the Fiat Bravo, which would make a killer Dodge Caliber replacement and would finally provide Chrysler with a true successor to the Neon after its demise in 2006.


Gallery: Fiat Bravo


[Source: WSJ]

REPORT: Chrysler planning second Fiat-based compact sports sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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