http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123238519459294991.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_mostpop

Doesn't get much more embarrassing than this.

1/20/2009 11:31:26 AM

So are we gonna see Chryslers and Dodges with Ferrari engines now?

1/20/2009 11:36:35 AM

DE-DIDDLE-LEE-DIDDLE-LEE-LEE-LEE-LEE

1/20/2009 11:49:50 AM

probably the best thing that could have happened to them

1/20/2009 12:07:44 PM

Misleading thread title.

Deal's not done yet.

35% != ownership

1/20/2009 2:52:57 PM

I wonder which company will get better as a result of this. I'm tempted to say Chrysler might actually beat them in quality.

1/20/2009 3:30:26 PM

that's a fucking awful idea lol.. french automotive companies are awful

[Edited on January 20, 2009 at 3:42 PM. Reason : asdf]

1/20/2009 3:42:12 PM

^^^ 35% with an option to buy 55%

It's not like anyone else wants to buy Chrysler. I'd say it's a done deal. The article is already talking about retooling American factories to produce Fiats. Chrysler will still be in deep debt though.

^Fiat is Italian. Just as shitty, though.

[Edited on January 20, 2009 at 5:54 PM. Reason : .]

1/20/2009 5:45:22 PM

35% is still controlling interest isn't it? That's what Ford had in Mazda until just recently.

1/20/2009 5:47:49 PM

^^thought they had a lot of offices in France that controlled a lot of the business. Could be very wrong though.

[Edited on January 20, 2009 at 5:53 PM. Reason : that's what someone at work was telling me..i guess i shoulda checked first ]

1/20/2009 5:52:40 PM

Dude, Fiat group = Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Ferrari.

French? Renault, Citroen, Peugeot.

1/20/2009 6:09:48 PM

Oh yeah, I'm sure they're all over Europe, but if you're going to bash a nationality, it's best to be historically accurate.

Also, here's a picture to blow your mind.

GAZ is now producing the Chrysler Sebring in Russia as the Volga Siber, just like they built Ford Model A and AA's in the past. In typical soviet manner, theirs had utilitarian fenders and could fly.

1/20/2009 6:13:17 PM

Quote :

"Dude, Fiat group = Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Ferrari. French? Renault, Citroen, Peugeot."

dude, i don't drool over and memorize every group of cars and who owns what/where like you. i actually have cars and enjoy them.

[Edited on January 20, 2009 at 6:17 PM. Reason : ^yea, first pic is f'in weird]

1/20/2009 6:17:03 PM

Quote :

"dude, i don't drool over and memorize every group of cars and who owns what/where like you."

what i said was common knowlege that everybody knows, you inadequate-feeling mofo.

Quote :

"if you're going to bash a nationality, it's best to be historically accurate."

[Edited on January 20, 2009 at 6:43 PM. Reason : ]

1/20/2009 6:42:33 PM

this could end well

1/20/2009 6:49:52 PM

Chrysler is in bed with everyone. Shared engine platforms with Benz/Hyundai, making trucks for Nissan, minivans for Vdub... and now an Italian bird.

1/20/2009 6:55:25 PM

This can only end well.

1/21/2009 12:33:31 AM

fix it again tony

1/21/2009 12:43:17 AM

Failsler

[Edited on January 21, 2009 at 10:02 AM. Reason : lol]

1/21/2009 10:01:26 AM

So here is what the 2 sides will get:

Quote :

"The agreement involves two new minicars (A-segment) that share the same platform. The first is the aforementioned Fiat 500 and the second, a five-door hatchback based on the Fiat Panda, will likely be badged as a Chrysler or Dodge. This should help both automakers with the 2011 U.S. fuel economy standards and give Chrysler a serious sub-compact offering. Moving up to the B segment, Chrysler could get the next generation Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa could begin selling the MiTo and the same platform could be used to create a small crossover for Chrysler. There's also talk of Chrysler being afforded access to Fiat's 1.4- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engines. Chrysler could produce both at one of its own factories, likely in turbocharged guise at its Dundee, Michigan plant, but a source indicates that Chrysler is only interested in the 1.4-liter variant. On the mid-size front, Chrysler – which is in desperate need of both C- and D-segment models to replace the Caliber/Compass and Sebring/Avenger, respectively – could utilize Fiat's new C-Evo architecture to create a new sedan and a more respectable compact car. The C-Evo underpinnings will be used first on the Alfa Romeo 147 replacement, currently codenamed project 940, which takes some stylistic cues from the 8C Competitizione. And what's Fiat get out of all this? An inexpensive entry into the North American market, manufacturing capacity and a sizeable distribution network. And if you think Chrysler is getting all the goods, Fiat plans to distribute the Dodge Journey and Dakota pickup in South America, and will be able to utilize Chrysler's new Phoenix V6 in its own line of products. Not quite balanced, but hardly a bad deal."

1/28/2009 3:39:31 PM

The Journey? No one is buying it here, why will they in SA? Damn thing went on sale last March and I don't recall ever seeing one on the road.

1/28/2009 5:01:55 PM