Fiat planning to ship 500, Alfa Romeo 940 to U.S. next year

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.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]