Fiat to take 35 percent stake in struggling Chrysler

[Ichingcarpenter]

Source: ABC news

Fiat and Chrysler said Tuesday they have agreed to form a strategic alliance that would give the Italian auto empire a 35-percent stake in the troubled U.S. carmaker and could eventually bring it full control.

The deal means Chrysler, which is fighting off bankruptcy and struggling to sell less fuel efficient larger models, would have access to new markets and cheaper, more environmentally friendly technologies.

Fiat Group SpA, which makes Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo vehicles, would gain a foothold in the huge U.S. market. The company has bounced back recently with cars such as the tiny 500 two-door hatchback, a hit remake of an earlier iconic Fiat model that competes with Daimler AG's Smart, BMW AG's Mini and other very small cars.

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Business/IndustryInfo/wireStory?id=6686305

[Champion Jack]

1. Fiat= Fix it again Tony!

[alfredo]

2. My Fiat was terrific. It was thirty five years old and even with 3 passengers

It was able to climb up this mountain road.



1,020 curve in 75 miles, Sea level to 8,600 ft. 120 degrees to 70 degrees.

Check out the Shrapnel damage bottom right.

[xchrom]

3. is that you?

cause that is a great pic -- and a hottie too.

[alfredo]

4. Yep I was in my early 20's back them. The guy who took the picture later

became noted for crossing the Atlantic in an eight foot sailboat. He was out there for 140 days, and crashed on the Irish coast. On that trip we were salvaging parts from cars that tumbled off the mountain road. I would lower him and his tools down to the wrecks, then I'd haul up the parts. At the end of the day, it was us, Two Italians, Wayne, his guitar and I. Four wheels from an Alfa Romeo that rolled down the side of the mountain were strapped to the top of the car, parts tied to every surface available.

That's him with the beard
http://www.godstear.net/media/Middlesex%20News,%2003-21-83,%20Complete.jpg

[vinylsolution]

5. Maybe FIAT can show Chrysler....

.... how to build small, profitable cars - and actually SELL them!!

[alfredo]

6. If the price is right, I'd buy one. I hope they build the 500 here.

[FiveGoodMen]

7. I can only say that the one Fiat I owned was easily the WORST car I've ever driven

It needed lots of repairs, stopped working on a 400 mile trip, was fixed, caught fire and burned itself up the next day!

With only 30K on it, there were actual holes above the front wheel wells where salt had rusted through.

Really a horrible car.

[alfredo]

9. The new CEO has pulled Fiat from the brink and has revitalized the

product line.

[alfredo]

8. Here's a good article on the deal Fiat 500 in 18 months?

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/01/fiat-saves-chry.html