Fiat Blog
Fiat 500C Sardinia by Romeo Ferraris is an ode to Italy's Emerald CoastFiled under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Europe, Fiat 
Fiat 500C Sardinia by Romeo Ferraris - Click above for high-res image gallery
When you think of Italian cars, some of the images that come to mind might be of graceful cabrios gliding along picturesque coastlines. Thing is, short of exotica from Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini or Pagani, the only Italian convertibles currently on offer are the Alfa Spider and Fiat 500C. As gorgeous as it is, the Alfa is on its way out, leaving the Fiat to fend for itself in the meantime. Romeo Ferraris apparently thought the sprightly 500C could use a little jazzing up, so it's released this limited-edition special.
The 500C Sardinia, as it's called, will be limited to just 50 examples. Paying homage to Italy's Emerald Coast, it's decked out in green paint with gold accents and sand-colored cloth roof. The interior is likewise trimmed in the light beige, the leather covers everything short of the dashboard, which gains an innovative cork treatment, and the emerald green floormats to match the exterior. Unfortunately, unlike some of Romeo Ferraris' more extreme performance conversions, the Sardinia's are largely limited to a dual-tip exhaust and 16-inch split-spoke alloys. Have a closer look in the gallery below.
[Source: OmniAuto.it]Fiat 500C Sardinia by Romeo Ferraris is an ode to Italy's Emerald Coast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMarchionne: Chrysler earned operating profit in Q2Filed under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Fiat 
Chrysler may be more than a little short on new products right now, but that apparently isn't stopping Team Pentastar from bolstering its bottom line. The Detroit Free Press reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters that Chrysler managed to produce black ink between April and June. We won't know exactly how much money Detroit-based automaker pulled in until August.
In any case, this counts as phenomenal news for the struggling automaker, which went through bankruptcy proceedings during the second quarter of 2009. Chrysler also posted an operating profit of $143 million in the first quarter, though one-time costs meant an overall loss of $197 million at that time.
While we'll have to wait a couple more week for Chrysler's official Q2 numbers, Fiat has already posted its results for the quarter. The Italian automaker managed a $146 million profit bolstered by a 12.5 percent increase in revenue. Global sales reportedly grew by 6.7 percent versus the same quarter in 2009, even with a 21.5 percent drop in sales in Italy. Fiat's domestic market sales were negatively impacted due to the end of the country's Cash for Clunkers-style program.
[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]Marchionne: Chrysler earned operating profit in Q2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chrysler delays planned expansion of Toledo plantFiled under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat 
It's no secret that Chrysler's future plans are in a constant state of flux right now. After all, the automaker just went through a ridiculously fast bankruptcy where bits and pieces were shed before stewardship was handed over to Italy's Fiat. It's only natural that Chrysler's new management would need some time to get itself organized.
According to The Toledo Blade, Chrysler decisionmakers are still up in the air as to how the Toledo North Assembly Plant figures into the company's future roadmap. Previously, Chrysler said the Ohio facility would build three new SUVs based on Fiat's C-Evo platform to replace the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro.
Apparently, however, Chrysler has three plants that could build the new 'utes - Toledo, Belvedere, Illinois and Sterling Heights, Michigan. The reality is that the Pentastar really only needs two of them to handle the project. Alternately, all three could build the vehicles using fewer shifts. At this point, it's anyone's guess which, if any, of these facilities will be left out in the cold, and what the resulting employee impact will be.
[Source: The Toledo Blade]Report: Chrysler delays planned expansion of Toledo plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst U.S.-market Fiat 500 Prima Edizione reserved for Fiat fansFiled under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Fiat 
Fiat 500 gathering at Biltmore Estate - Click above for high-res image gallery and follow the jump for video
There was undoubtedly some freaking out at the annual Fiat Freakout held at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC this year. The Freakout is more respectably referred to as the annual gathering of Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, where owners and fans show their vintage love. This year, Fiat North America CEO Laura Soave personally rewarded the assembly with news that they would get first dibs on the first five hundred Fiat 500s to come to America, called the "Prima Edizione."
The special allotment will come in White, Red and Gray, get manual transmissions and special badging, and buyers will be able to choose their build number. Assuming the club members don't sponge up every one of Prima Edizione models, Fiat says it will give others a chance to get hold of one at "a later date" at www.ciaofiat.com. More details in the press release and in the video after the jump.
Continue reading First U.S.-market Fiat 500 Prima Edizione reserved for Fiat fans First U.S.-market Fiat 500 Prima Edizione reserved for Fiat fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Fiat says Ferrari boss Montezemolo not quittingFiled under: Ferrari, Fiat 
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo stepped down from his position as chairman of Fiat a couple of months ago but remains chairman and president of Ferrari. There have been recent reports that Montezemolo also leave that role, with an Italian paper claiming that an Agnelli family scion would take over the position. Fiat has gone on record with Reuters to say those reports aren't true.
Montezemolo is 62, and outside of his Ferrari obligations runs a think tank and is considering a leap into politics. People would certainly understand his leaving, but it looks like Montezemolo will retain his position and continue making bi-weekly complaints about the FIA and its Formula 1 stewards for a while longer.
[Source: Reuters]Report: Fiat says Ferrari boss Montezemolo not quitting originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiat debuts two-cylinder, 85 hp TwinAir engine in Fiat 500Filed under: Budget, Technology, Fiat
The gasoline-fueled, 0.9-liter two-cylinder motor features a pint-sized turbo, Fiat's revolutionary MultiAir technology and so much more. When dropped in the Fiat 500, the new engine performs better than the company's existing 1.2-liter mill and on par with its 1.4-liter while offering a 30-percent reduction in fuel consumption. When equipped with the new TwinAir, the Fiat 500 can reach a top speed of 108 miles per hour and can hit 60 mph in under 11 seconds. Fuel consumption works out to a handy 57 miles per gallon (U.S.) and emissions drops down to just 95 grams per kilometer of CO2. With max torque sitting at approximately 107 ft.-lbs. at a low 1900 rpm, this little mill figures to offer enough low-end grunt too.
We know that the vast majority of American car buyers will not wax ecstatic over a puny 0.9-liter two-cylinder powerplant, but boy does this little thing show signs of rockin'. Follow the jump for more technical info on Fiat's breakthrough two-cylinder TwinAir engine. Here's hoping this gem finds its way Stateside at some point...
[Source: Fiat]Continue reading Fiat debuts two-cylinder, 85 hp TwinAir engine in Fiat 500 Fiat debuts two-cylinder, 85 hp TwinAir engine in Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiat's Marchionne wants to add CNG- and LPG-powered vehicles to Chrysler's lineupFiled under: Chrysler, Fiat 
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Fiat has the highly regarded Multijet diesel engine among its offerings, and Volkswagen has been spending massive amounts of moolah to soften American hearts toward diesels. Yet in spite of those two factoids, at a recent symposium in Michigan Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne championed compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel he'd like to see take a notable place among the panoply of domestic options.
Last year when Fiat presented its five-year plan, the senior VP of powertrain, Paolo Ferrero, mentioned diesels, hybrids and electric cars as intentions beyond the direct-injected and turbocharged ICE. Earlier this year an electric Fiat 500 was announced for 2012. But the push has apparently already begun to integrate compressed and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles. Fiat's already has the experience and hardware in South America, where its tetrafuel engines run on four different fuels.
Marchionne didn't offer any kind of timetable for the arrival of CNG, saying only that it "is the most effective solution, in terms of costs and timing, to lessen this country's reliance on oil" as well as making it clear that it could be a quicker way for Chrysler to get seriously green. He did admit, though, that the infrastructure is nowhere close to making it viable. We will admit that the idea of an Alfa Giulietta that runs on LPG is an enticing thought. But we'd be even more enticed if Fiat could get even one Giulietta here for retail sale that runs on... well, anything.
[Source: NGV Global]Fiat's Marchionne wants to add CNG- and LPG-powered vehicles to Chrysler's lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chrysler to set up separate Fiat dealersFiled under: Chrysler, Fiat 
Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Fiat and Chrysler merged, it was assumed that Fiat and Chrysler-branded products would be sharing a common showroom floor. Well, you know what happens when you assume. The Detroit Bureau reports that when Fiat-badged vehicles arrive Stateside at the end of the year they will be sold in an all-new showroom bereft of any manner of Chrysler product. The news reportedly comes from none other than Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who adds that a total of 200 Fiat stores will come online in an undetermined time.
While Chrysler dealers are likely a bit upset that they won't have Fiat products to sell in their dealerships, they will reportedly get first dibs to claim one of the 200 stand-alone stores. And those dealerships must be equipped with both sales and service departments as well. The first Fiat to enter the Fiat-exclusive showroom will be the diminutive 500, which has been very well-received overseas. And more product is undoubtedly also on the way, as the 500 alone is not a big enough carrot to warrant buying a new dealership.
Opening 200 new dealerships will not be cheap, as a new full-service dealer can cost $1 million or more. There are also the costs associated with marketing a new brand in the U.S., which will likely cost well over $100 million. Since Fiat vehicles haven't been available here in States in a couple decades, the folks in Turin, Italy will likely have a lot of work to do to spread the word. Those who actually remember the Fiat brand in the U.S. market will likely need the most convincing, as horrible quality woes were a main factor in the brands failure.
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]Report: Chrysler to set up separate Fiat dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSlick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HPFiled under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat 
Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition by Pogea Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery
Soon enough, we Americans will be able to feast upon the Forbidden Fruit that is the Fiat 500. Will we get the hotted-up Abarth models? That remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure, we're super duper jealous of the hotter hatch that the folks at Pogea Racing have created - the 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition which boasts more power (a lot more power, actually) all wrapped in a too-cute (but still somehow menacing) package.
The Pogea team starts with a 500 Abarth, which in standard form produces 160 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. From there, a new turbocharger, exhaust system, downpipe and catalytic converter have been added, meaning that the tiny Fiat now cranks out a whopping 264 hp and 243 lb-ft. Staggering numbers for a car that's smaller than a Mini Cooper. To tame all of that extra grunt, larger brakes have been added that reduce braking distance by about six feet, though the new stoppers are identical in weight to the standard Abarth setup.
Yes, we want one. In fact, we'll take two. Scroll through the gallery below to see dozens of high-resolution photos, and follow the jump to read Pogea Racing's (translated) press release.
[Source: Pogea Racing]Continue reading Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAbarth to tune Alfa Romeos?Filed under: Performance, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill 
Anyone who's spent time in a desert climate knows all to well how fast a scorpion can move, and the same can be said of the reborn marque that bears the scorpion as its badge. Not just in terms of the vehicles it produces, but the busy pace which Fiat's tuning division keeps.
With only two core models in its line-up, Abarth always seems to have something new in the works. The latest debuts were hot versions of the Fiat Punto Evo and 500C. A new purpose-built roadster is reportedly in the works again. And now reports have it that the recently revived tuning studio is preparing to branch out beyond Fiat's own catalog and take on some offerings from Alfa Romeo.
The development follows the unification of the two Fiat Group brands under common management, a move which has already bred the Maserati edition Alfa MiTo. No word yet on exactly which Alfa models could get the Abarth treatment, but while the MiTo might seem a logical starting point, reports suggest that - with the Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) model already on the market and a GTA still rumored to be in the works - the stylish little hatch will be immune to the scorpion's sting.
[Source: Autocar]Abarth to tune Alfa Romeos? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiat's Abarth brand to create its own sports carFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Fiat 
Abarth SS Concept by IED - Click above for high-res image gallery
While Fiat's in-house tuning brand appears to be intensely occupied tweaking Punto Evos and 500Cs for the European market - and supposedly a 500 Abarth for us as well - Abarth also has an eye on its own sports car. According to Autocar, this wouldn't be a microwave job on a Fiat, but a unique creation to serve as a halo car.
We've heard this rumor a number of times, with the most recent reports indicating Abarth has been working with Lotus, perhaps using the next-generation Elise chassis as a base. Apparently, that idea has been nixed. However, the specs being discussed are quite Elise-like: two-seater, mid-engine, 200 horsepower, around 2,000 pounds. Whatever it is, Abarth's head of marketing said it will arrive within two years.
[Source: Autocar]Fiat's Abarth brand to create its own sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsHotter versions planned as Abarth 500C and Punto Evo hit the marketFiled under: Convertible, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat 
Abarth Punto Evo and 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery
Revealed a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth versions of the Fiat 500C and Punto Evo are now ready to hit European markets. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as the hot-hatch house is reportedly planning even hotter EsseEsse versions of both.
The Punto Evo Abarth - based on the recently facelifted version of the Fiat Grande Punto - packs a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo good for 163 horsepower, but the upcoming EsseEsse version promises to boost output up to 180 horses. The 1.4-liter turbo in Abarth's version of the 500C retro cabrio, meanwhile, currently produces 138 horsepower, but is tipped to climb to 157 in Esse-Esse spec.
The 500 range is also expected to upgrade to MultiAir engines sometime within the next couple of years, along with a dual-clutch transmission for the Punto. We'll have to wait and see which engines will feature when the 500 finally makes the transatlantic voyage, but in the meantime Fiat's released a fresh batch of images of the pair of new Abarths on the road. Check 'em out in the gallery below, along with the press release after the jump.
[Sources: Autocar, Abarth]Continue reading Hotter versions planned as Abarth 500C and Punto Evo hit the market Hotter versions planned as Abarth 500C and Punto Evo hit the market originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDodge to get Mazda5 MPV fighter?Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat  We've been picking up bits and pieces of Chrysler product news since Fiat laid out The Pentastar's five year plan back in November, but other than the refreshes planned for the next year we're still a way off from any solid details. Rumors have been trickling in, though, and the latest nugget comes from Motor Trend in the form of a seven-passenger MPV for the Dodge brand. The supposed people hauler would be based on a C-platform Fiat architecture to compete with the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Focus C-Max.
Since Dodge is Chrysler's performance division, the five- or seven-seater would likely feature an expressive design that would convey a sportiness not found in the run-of-the-mill crossover or wagon. Powertrains could well come from Turn, Italy in the form of Fiat's efficient MultiAir engine lineup with an emphasis on sporty performance. MT says the MPV could hit showrooms in calendar year 2012.
Does a sporty MPV make sense for Dodge? We're thinking yes, considering the fact that Dodge is The Pentastar's volume brand, and a sleek people hauler would seemingly fit in the lineup a lot better than the current Grand Caravan. Click on the above image to view MT's full rendering. Fairly attractive if you ask us.
[Source: Motor Trend]Dodge to get Mazda5 MPV fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIs Chris Bangle headed back to Fiat?Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat, Celebrities 
Now here's a juicy rumor. Word on the web is that Chris Bangle may be looking to step back into the auto-design mainstream by revisiting one of his former employers. Don't expect new BMW models to be wearing any of the guy's influences though. From what we understand from our Google Translator, Caradisiac believes that Bangle would be the perfect choice for Fiat to give its products an extra level of pizzazz as the company wades even deeper into international waters.
On one level, the move makes sense. After all, Bangle called Fiat home before he moved to BMW in 1991, and the designer cut his teeth and made a name for himself while working on the likes of the Fiat Coupe way back when. But we haven't heard word one from the designer about making a return to the mainstream auto world.
For now, we'll simply file this one under rampant rumor and wishful thinking. Fiat isn't having any trouble cranking out stylish products, and one would think the company has its hands too full dealing with bringing Chrysler back to life to bring on a big name like Bangle. Doesn't hurt to ponder "what if?" though, especially since the guy's non-compete dried up in March.
[Source: Caradisiac]Is Chris Bangle headed back to Fiat? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiat taking Chrysler production back to China within four yearsFiled under: China, Chrysler, Fiat 
As recently as two years ago Chrysler and Chery were more than cozy and working on Chinese-market products that would eventually make their way this way. Nothing ultimately came of it, but Chrysler hasn't given up on the Chinese dream. Or more accurately, Fiat hasn't given up on the Chinese dream on behalf of Chrysler.
Fiat, which has had its own setbacks in trying to find the right joint venture required to do business in China, is now working with Guangzhou Auto. It isn't clear how or even if Chrysler would immediately try again, since The Pentastar's "models were as popular as Chen Shui Bian towards the end of their tenure."
Another route would be for the Chrysler Group to let Jeep lead the charge, since the Jeep brand and small SUVs are a more welcome option for Chinese buyers. It is inevitable that Chrysler will keep trying to crack the world's largest auto market, and if we were presumptuous enough to suggest a way to do it, we'd only need two words: Dodge Hornet.
[Source: China Car Times]Fiat taking Chrysler production back to China within four years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMarchionne says "Probably 2011" on Chrysler IPO, wants GM to go firstFiled under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Fiat 
Everyone is watching General Motors CEO Ed Whitacre, Jr. to see what he'll be able to pull of this year with respect to his plans, including a possible IPO. Count Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne among the interested. While the Fiat 500's introduction will likely result in Fiat upping its Chrysler stake to 25 percent, when it comes to a Chrysler IPO, Marchionne is thinking 2011, and he wants GM to go first, according to Automotive News.
Marchionne feels there's enough investor interest for both GM and Chrylser IPOs, but said, "Let him go, he's been itching to go," in reference to Whitacre wanting a GM IPO as soon as this year. Chrysler has good reason to wait. It's arguably further behind than GM in its turnaround, and whereas GM has the Volt to make a potential shareholder splash in 2010, Chrysler's product fireworks won't really start booming until next year.
For now, Chrysler milestones are being reached ahead of schedule and things in Auburn Hills are going well enough to get Marchionne to say, "May is "turning out to be a good month." A Chrysler IPO is obviously desired, but based on Marchionne's latest statements, it remains in the distance.
[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]Marchionne says "Probably 2011" on Chrysler IPO, wants GM to go first originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVote for the Chrysler Fiat 500's U.S. logoFiled under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Fiat, Design/Style 
Earlier this week, a Dutch auto dealer plastered the Dodge - rather, Ram - logo on a Fiat 500. It looked pretty bad. Now, Fiat USA is offering Yanks a chance to choose a more conventional logo for the cute little bugger, and thankfully, the mountain mammal doesn't factor into the equation.
Elsewhere, the 500 logo is the horizontally-split numerical graphic at the top. Your job is to let Fiat know which of the five supplementary graphics you think should grace the car. Whether Fiat plans on listening to any of you or using your majority choice anywhere remains to be seen, but as long as it isn't number three then we'll have fun playing. And as Mr. Letterman would advise, please, no wagering. Hop on over to Fiat USA's Facebook page and cast your vote. Top tip, Robert M!
[Source: Fiat USA on Facebook]Vote for the Chrysler Fiat 500's U.S. logo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 May 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMarchionne: Chrysler's Fiat infusion may come earlier than expectedFiled under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat 
Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne appears to be a fairly optimistic chap, and recent news coming out of Auburn Hills shows that he may have reason to begin seeing the Pentastar's glass as half full. Marchionne said in a conference call Monday that improved finances and a surprise first quarter profit mean that an IPO is coming soon, and upgraded products are coming sooner. That's good news for all the Mopar fans out there, even if most of the new product is of the subcompact variety.
The big news from the conference call is that the launch of several Fiat-based compact vehicles was moved up from 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2011. The vehicles would fill the gaping small car hole in Chrysler's current product portfolio. Marchionne says that the models have been through several clinics, and the design is 98 percent baked in.
According to Marchionne, Chrysler's soon-to-be-revamped lineup isn't relegated to a few new Pentastar'd Fiats. The Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring will re-launch with a major overhaul this year in the fourth quarter, with what Marchionne calls "significant surgery on the architecture of those cars and... significant improvements [to] the interiors." The most immediate help on the way arrives for Jeep customers, starting with the June launch of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, which Marchionne calls "the symbol of Jeep." The Jeep Wrangler (which we would argue is the true symbol of Jeep, but whatever) and Patriot are next with reportedly significant interior upgrades (and hopefully powertrain improvements, too) in the third quarter.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]Marchionne: Chrysler's Fiat infusion may come earlier than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chrysler outperforming internal forecasts, readying IPOFiled under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Fiat 
From Monday's 'More Good News' edition, this nugget from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne: "It is clear that if we continue to perform at this rate we're going to be in excess of the guidance that was provided in 2009." What does that mean? It means that Chrysler is making more money and using that money more efficiently than expected. If such performance keeps up, the Pentastar will put up better than expected numbers this year, and could be ripe for an IPO ahead of anyone's schedule.
Chrysler showed an operating profit in the first quarter of this year, but even so, it doesn't want to change its estimates for the entire year, at least not yet. The only brand-new vehicle it will be rolling out is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and that leaves a lot of not-exactly-new product trying to keep the momentum going all the way to the end of the year.
Still, for a company that was left for dead last summer, to be here in May of 2010 talking about it at operational break-even this year and net break-even next year is not a bad year of work. With negative cash flow of $1 billion expected this year, true profit is still a couple of years away, but we can at least see the way with the Fiat 500 arriving in December, a Chrysler small car in Q4 of 2011, updates on its current offerings and an IPO. Come on, Jeep Grand Cherokee...
[Source: Reuters]Report: Chrysler outperforming internal forecasts, readying IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsChrysler split over which CAD software to useFiled under: Technology, Chrysler, Fiat 
Anyone that's ever tried to get divergent computer systems to play nice knows that it's not a trivial matter. And when two automakers come together, getting everyone on the same page is both enormously difficult and critically important if the enterprise is to succeed. Chrysler is all too familiar with lackluster enterprises thanks to failed marriage to Daimler, and with it's recent Italian tie-up, the (software) language barrier could cause some problems.
Now that Chrysler has hooked up with Fiat, the two engineering teams need to consolidate the design software that they use to develop new products. As we learned in the Chevy Cruze safety story, computer aided design and simulation is the foundation to being able to develop products that meet regulations around the world.
Chrysler's engineers have been using Catia from Dassault Systems for more than two decades while Fiat uses the other major brand Siemens PLM's NX software. CEO Sergio Marchionne wants everyone in his domain to use the Siemens software for new projects. Unfortunately, the problem goes well beyond just switching out the software at the Chrysler tech center. Suppliers will also have to buy new software because they share design models with the automaker and they need compatibility. Chrysler has begun using the Siemens software for the modifications to the North American version of the Fiat 500, but it could be some time before the issue is resolved completely.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req'd]Chrysler split over which CAD software to use originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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