Dodge Ram to be rebranded

Fiat is developing a new brand strategy for Chrysler which includes closing down some brands and starting or refreshing others. For instance, the Dodge brand is going to be withdrawn from Europe. However, the Dodge Ram is going to turn into a full-fledged brand selling pickup trucks, vans and some SUVs as a marquee in its own right.

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Fiat’s ambitions for Chrysler

Now that Fiat has taken over Chrysler, it has ambitious plans for it. Chrysler brand CEO Peter Fong says that he sees the brand being “a notch above Lincoln, a notch above Cadillac.” Though it looks like a great idea it is difficult to visualize that Chrysler could ever complete with Cadillac.

Cadillac has more competitors to contend with anyway. As for Fiat, it is only if you dream big that you can achieve something bigger! Fiat has a lot on its plate right now with the Jeep and Dodge brands as well.

Source: Automotive News

Tata’s collaboration with Fiat may bring Maserati and Ferrari to India

Even though large parts of the western auto markets are in the doldrums, the eastern markets are doing well, seeing the examples of India and China in particular. Tata, which has made a success of its Nano, and has also bought Jaguar and Land Rover, is looking at expanding its portfolio.

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Fiat reports lessening of losses in the second quarter

As second quarter financial results are coming in, auto makers are facing mixed fortunes. Some like GM and Fiat are reporting lesser losses in the second quarter than in the first – not profit, but loss, but to a lesser extent than expected. Fiat lost $239 million in the second quarter, but it had made a profit last year of $859 million.

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Fiat in joint venture in China

Fiat has signed an agreement with China’s Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group to produce cars and engines in China from the second half of 2011, with it being an equal partnership. The total investment will be around $560 million.

The plant would target a production of 140,000 cars a year and around 220,000 vehicles after the first phase of development. Fiat has signed other agreements in seven deals worth $225 million with other Chinese companies.

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Contents of Fiat-Chrysler partnership

Chrysler was finally taken over by Fiat after the US Supreme Court decided not to allow the case filed against its sale by the pension funds to be heard. This paved the way for the sale to go through. Chrysler also received the go-ahead to get rid of 25 percent of its dealers which was good news for the company.

Chrysler got what it wanted by signing the deal with Fiat and exiting bankruptcy proceedings within the 30-60 days window. This bodes well for the partnership. Cars like the Alfa 169, Dodge Charger ’11, Fiat 500, Jeep Panda, Dodge Journey, Chrysler mid sedan, Alfa Romeo GTX, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, Dodge Hornet, Alfa Romeo MiTo. Jeep Liberty and Alfa SUV-C will go into production and sale as scheduled from various plants.

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Fiat finally given go-ahead to take over Chrsyler

Couple of days ago it was uncertain whether the sale Of Chrysler to the Italians would be blocked, but it has finally been confirmed that takeover can proceed without any further delay.

After all the dust has settled Fiat emerged a winner and owner of Chrysler. The US Supreme Court refused to stay the order at the behest of Chrysler’s creditors and Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne will head the Chrysler group.

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Chrysler sale to Fiat being challenged

There is confusion regarding the Chrysler sale as three Indiana state pension and construction funds have asked the Supreme Court to halt the deal pending the review by the high court. The Solicitor General said that such stays are only issued under extraordinary circumstances and Supreme Court intervention was not warranted in this case.

In fact government officials have asked the court to give the go-ahead for the sale of Chrysler’s assets to Fiat. The funds have been joined by lawyers representing consumer groups and individuals with product-related lawsuits.

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GM’s troubles in Europe continue

Besieged from all sides, G.M. has failed to achieve a breakthrough in talks regarding its European unit, too. German and American negotiators held a marathon five hour meeting which included video conferencing, but were still unable to come to a conclusion on a bridge loan which G.M. needs for its European operations.

The Germans are understandably hesitant because they don’t want to put up money when they are not sure that G.M.’s European assets will be protected from its bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. “We don’t have the assurances we need to approve a bridge loan,” said Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the German economy minister. They are also put off by the fact that G.M. has asked for $418 million more than the agreed upon €1.5 billion from Berlin.

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Will Fiat takeover of Chrysler help US customers?

Though Fiat is going to take over Chrysler with only 20 percent stake in the company, it is Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne who will become the chief executive of Chrysler after the U.S. automaker emerges from bankruptcy. Its proceeding will take one or two months.  Fiat is not taking on any Chrysler’s debts either.

As a result 20 of Chrysler’s creditors have gone to bankruptcy course to block bankruptcy proceedings because they say they are going to lose their rights thanks to the proceedings. Chrysler is still hoping that its alliance with Fiat will make the US treasury department see that it is on a stronger wicket and lend it money. Loe edasi »

Pink alert! Fiat 500 show car for Barbie

World famous Barbie turns 50 on March 9th. To celebrate fashion doll’s birthday Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel have created a special Fiat 500 show car.

As it is Barbie’s birthday then the car is finished in pink from the exterior to the interior.

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Fiat Sedici facelift spotted in Northern Sweden

Here’s proof that Fiat is about to introduce a facelifted version of the Sedici. While rear and side appear to be left unchanged, the car’s front will be re-designed. We have no information yet about changes in the engines, but we expect the interior to receive a slight makeover.

Fiat Sedici is developed by Fiat and Suzuki mainly for the European market.

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Production ready Fiat 500C spotted in the Arctic Circle

Early this morning we brought you first official photos and details about the open top Fiat 500C. Studio images are nice, but the real thing out in the wild is always better.

Here we have the Fiat 500C without all the disguise doing some final testing in the Arctic Circle. Next time we see the car in traffic we hope the weather is warmer and we can see it without the canvas roof.

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Fiat 500C breaks cover ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Official images of the Fiat 500C have bee released ahead of Geneva Motor Show. Fiat 500C is not a classical cabrio, it uses a sliding canvas roof like the original 500.

Fully electric canvas roof comes in three colors - ivory, red and black. On the rear we have now a new rear spoiler with a break light, which is seen when the top is up and down.

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Fiat and Chrysler announce partnership

In breaking news this morning, Chrysler and FIAT have announced what they are calling a “global strategic alliance.” In other words, Chrysler gets its hands on some small car technology and a global dealer network, and FIAT gets 35% equity interest and US dealers to sell their products.

No details have been made available about the extent of the partnership just yet, but this is good news for any Americans hoping to drive a FIAT 500 (yes, please!).

The full press release after the jump.

Continue to read: Fiat and Chrysler announce partnership