FIAT - Chrystler

[ducatiz]

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

both..  Check out the QA on Ducatis in the 70s.  It would be charitable to say it was "shit."  Beautiful design, great engine, not so great execution.

FIAT had the same problems, plus they didn't start using galvanized steel in their car bodies until the late 70s (I want to say 81 or so???)  ..  Stories I heard was they also couldn't get parts suppliers to produce sufficiently identical items for a given run of parts even -- this was before ISO 900x certification, I guess!

Lackadaisical Mediterranean assembly + inferior parts + rust prone body.. you get the idea.

[Triple J]

I'd love to se some Alfa Romeos make it to the US. The Mito, Brera, and Spider are all cool.  The 8c also looks like it may be cool, but their website sucks ass and I'm tired of dealing with it to get to better pics. 

The Fiat models don't really do it for me. The Grande Punto 3 door liiks kinda cool, but I'd probably get a Subaru or an A3 instead if I was looking for a car somewhat similar to that.

[Agir]

does that mean I can put a Ferrari horse on my Wrangler  ...?   

[herm]

i dont think we are going to see "fiats" here....
just a whole bunch of new, small "chryslers"

[redxblack]

I don't care how it's badged as long as it's quality. It's kind of like the "Buy American" campaign. I could get a GM made in Mexico or a Subaru made in Indiana. Which is American?

[Dannyboy]

i dont think we are going to see "fiats" here....
just a whole bunch of new, small "chryslers"

I've read it's probably gonna be a bit of both.

[desmo_drum]

the Fiat 500 is really cool. I saw one at the Baltimore concourse last year. They are sold in Mexico. Also, the Ford ka and Fiat 500 share the same platform and engine. I wonder how that will work?

[Bick]

the Fiat 500 is really cool.

 


I am assuming they have been updated a bit.

[desmo_drum]

just a tad

[herm]

looks a lot like another car i have seen before........cant quite place it.

[Speeddog]

As long as I can still get parts for my Dakota, it's all fine by me. 

[ducatiz]

the Fiat 500 is really cool. I saw one at the Baltimore concourse last year. They are sold in Mexico. Also, the Ford ka and Fiat 500 share the same platform and engine. I wonder how that will work?

IF they bring the new 500 to the states, it will work just fine.  Plenty of manufacturers buy frames (rollling chassis) from each other.. Ford still uses the Mazda B truck for the Ranger, etc

Also, the Ka is not sold in the USA.

THe old 500 is cooler.  That 2-cylinder engine is the funkiest I've ever seen an "I2".. rofl

[psycledelic]

From what I read / heard, Fiat is only buying into Chrysler.  I think like around 30% ownership.  I think the Automaker's union (or whatever their official title is) is majority owner of Chrysler, like 55% or so. 

[corey]

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

If im not mistaken, the new Fiat 500 was designed by the fellow who initially designed the new Coopers..
If your thinking about picking up a cooper, i definitely can't recommend against it.
Get the S model, you will regret not getting it if you skimp out :/
My lady has a Pepper-White 2007 S model, with the agitronic automatic transmission. It is more fun to drive than anything i've ever been in. First 3 years of maintenance are free too everything but tires are covered.. .even wiper blades!

/end sales pitch

[Randimus Maximus]

does that mean I can put a Ferrari horse on my Wrangler  ...?   

Already saw one in Las Cruces, NM a few years back.  Wish I still had the picture of it.