I heard the news that the supreme court cleared the way for the sale of Chrysler to Fiat.

I grew up with Fiat 600 and 127.  But my favourite was FIAT 131.

I need to find miniature models atleast. 

I actually saw a FIAT 600 in Cleveland about 3 years ago and the guy drove away before I could soak in the memories of that car.

What do you think of FIAT possibly coming to the U.S. Market ?

Could very well be the best thing that happened to Chrysler, as they have needed a variety of quality small cars for years.

I was thinking about buying a cooper, but I'm going to wait to see what Fiat has to offer.

FIAT has a bad reputation in the USA based on models made 30 years ago.  They have totally turned around their QA, leaned out their management and they are making some great cars.  We had a Punto diesel while in Italy 2 years ago, and it drove like a champ -- I think we clocked about 65 mpg on the autostradas. 

Fiat also owns Alfa, which was already poised to make a comeback in the USA with some of their mid range models. 

I won't comment on the entire deal as there is plenty that stinks about it, but I have no problem with Fiat owning Chrysler in principle. 

Interestingly, Chrysler's Jeep Liberty diesel engine was made by VM Motori, who also makes engines for Fiat.  Might see a return of some diesels in that lineup.

Which would be an interesting circle since VM Motori briefly owned Ducati in the early 60s.

I wouldn't mind a Fiat Abarth 500 SS

If it will allow me to buy an Alfa Mito sooner I'm all for it.   



Actually, I'm for it anyway....I'd take a 500 in place of a Mito....

Variety and real choice is good, and for 98% of the Chrysler line-up this year, none were even on my long list to look at, so IMO, it is a good thing.

mitt

also, if chrysler badged fiats start selling in the US, then napa will stock fiat parts......

Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 10, 2009, 04:47:33 PM
FIAT has a bad reputation in the USA based on models made 30 years ago.  They have totally turned around their QA, leaned out their management and they are making some great cars.  We had a Punto diesel while in Italy 2 years ago, and it drove like a champ -- I think we clocked about 65 mpg on the autostradas. 

<snip>

Was it the cars or the lack of a real service network here 30 years ago?

or the cars' NEED for a real service network but none existed?

Quote from: DesmoDiva on June 10, 2009, 06:44:54 PM
If it will allow me to buy an Alfa Mito sooner I'm all for it.   

Those Mito's are so cool!  Little 8C go carts...

I really like Brera, but I would imagine they would be pricey.

At least you people in the US will now get some sporty small cars with italian style

Personally, I think this is  good thing for Chrysler.  I'm just not too impressed with how it happened.  Talking to you fed.gov.  This could also end up as a good thing for me too, because like others here, I want a Mito.  Preferably a Mito GTA if they ever bring it over here.

Quote from: redxblack on June 10, 2009, 10:11:19 PM
or the cars' NEED for a real service network but none existed?

I think this is more accurate.

Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 10, 2009, 04:47:33 PM
FIAT has a bad reputation in the USA based on models made 30 years ago.  They have totally turned around their QA, leaned out their management and they are making some great cars.  We had a Punto diesel while in Italy 2 years ago, and it drove like a champ -- I think we clocked about 65 mpg on the autostradas. 

Fiat also owns Alfa, which was already poised to make a comeback in the USA with some of their mid range models. 

I agree with 'tizzzz -- it would be neat to see some of Fiat's cars show up here in the States, but there is definitely negative connotations to the Fiat brand itself.  Alfas will likely get a better reception from US buyers.

We rented an Alfa 147 diesel when we were in Italy in March.  Even though it had been in the rental fleet for awhile, it drove well and gave us awesome fuel economy.  I like Alfa's styling touches, too.  

Rossi gets a Hemi