While Chrysler continues to struggle in North America, the automaker has found a great friend in Europe. This week, Fiat has acquired a 35 percent stake in the ailing Chrysler, which should help alleviate pressure and ease the restructuring of the automaker.
With the strengths of Fiat, and the promise of billions in federal loans from the federal government, Chrysler and its dealers such as Executive Dodge Sprinter hope the brand will regain ground that it has lost over the years. Fiat also stands to benefit, as the automaker as long been absent from the North American market (aside from its premium brands) and it stands to gain more opportunities here.
Industry analysts believe the partnerships makes Chrysler much more viability in an industry that has faced devastating sales declines. Many have previously doubted Chrysler’s ability to avoid bankruptcy and total collapse, but by aligning with Fiat, consumers at Hartford Chrysler dealers believe the automaker stands to have new opportunities open up in terms of access to new technologies and Fiat’s prowess in building smaller, more fuel efficient cars. This small-car savvy is exactly what Chrysler Chicago is counting on when it comes to the products this alliance will eventually produce.
While the match seems perfect, especially for Chrysler, there are still hurdles, acknowledges one Bridgeport Jeep dealer. Platform sharing often takes years to devise, and unfortunately Chrysler’s main problems are short-term. Chrysler, currently, is looking to simply survive each and every day.
Fiat has faced plenty of change recently as well. GM had recently dissolved a partnership with Fiat that it had formed back in 2000. Since then, Fiat has revitalized many of its products in terms of design and quality. For that reason, combined with success in its tractor and truck units, Fiat has managed to generate revenue increases this year. A potential fresh, European design direction also interests car buyers at used car Lubbock dealers.
Chrysler’s benefits are largely apparent, but Fiat also has large hopes. Aside from Ferrari and Maserati, Fiat is hoping the alliance with Chrysler will help bring Fiat vehicles back to the North American market. One option may be to make Fiat models compatible to U.S. safety and emissions regulations without other modifications or rebranding and sell them at Reading PA used cars dealers and others in the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealer network.
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