The proposed alliance between Chrysler and Fiat may be just what both automakers need. Fiat would like easy access into the lucrative North American market, and Chrysler desperately needs new compact product offerings and cash which Fiat has. There’s already plenty of talk about which Fiat model could arrive first at Chrysler dealerships, including the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Bravo. This also includes the Fiat Panda Cross, a soft-roader which may become branded as a Jeep.
The Fiat Panda Cross is powered by a 1.3-liter turbodiesel engine. With this engine, the Panda Cross gets about 40 miles per gallon, which is a figure that could certainly help perceptions of the Jeep brand predicts Wellington KS Used Cars. What really makes this model seem realistic as a Jeep is based on Chrysler’s current viability plan, which includes a compact Jeep model due in 2011. New Haven Jeep Service is excited about more compact offerings in the lineup, and point out that the plan also includes other Fiat vehicles that could be branded as Chrysler and Dodge models.
An alliance with Fiat could provide many options for the embattled automaker according to one used car dealer Fort Worth. In addition to the fuel-efficient, compact Jeep, other Fiat models potentially heading to North America may include the Grande Punto and sedans based on Fiat’s compact C-Evo and midsize D-Evo platforms.
While the alliance could yield a bright future for both Chrysler and Fiat, the new products are contingent on Chrysler being able to remain viable amid bankruptcy setbacks and impaired consumer perceptions.Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.