Fiat's Back-through Chrysler

摘要

No one expected Chrysler LLC would reach 2010 without a new owner or at least some sort of deal with a stronger automaker. But no one expected Italian automaker Fiat to be riding to the Pentastar's rescue. Fiat is hardly the picture of financial health, but that can be said for virtually everyone in the auto business right now. Unlike GM, which contemplated a merger last year, Fiat has synergies with Chrysler. The only overlaps in each automakers' product lineup seem to be minivans. Fiat wants to return to the U.S. market (Ferrari/Maserati belong to a different unit of Fiat SpA, and thus don't count). It has been trying to relaunch Alfa Romeo here since 2006, but that's been put off due to the euro-to-dollar relationship. Chrysler needs a better presence in foreign markets. And it quickly needs better product in the small and midsize ranges. Its alliance with Fiat will be nearing its April 1 consummation by the time you read this.