Fiat: pas de projet de fusion avec Chrysler pour l'instant

Le groupe automobile italien Fiat n'a pas pour projet "aujourd'hui" de fusionner avec son partenaire américain Chrysler, a déclaré lundi le directeur général des deux groupes, Sergio Marchionne.

Le patron a en revanche indiqué qu'il était possible que Fiat exerce son option pour monter à 51 % du capital du groupe Chrysler.

"Je n'ai pas aujourd'hui le projet de fusionner Fiat et Chrysler", a déclaré Sergio Marchionne, en marge d'une cérémonie organisée à la Bourse de Milan pour la première cotation de Fiat Industrial, la nouvelle société regroupant les activités non automobiles de Fiat.

"Je pense que nous avons fait un travail relativement bon durant les dix-huit derniers mois" en terme d'"intégration industrielle" entre Fiat et Chrysler et une "fusion légale ne changerait pas nos vies", a-t-il jugé.

Il est en revanche "possible que nous montions à 51 % si Chrysler décide de s'introduire en Bourse en 2011", a-t-il ajouté.

Fiat détient 20 % du capital de Chrysler depuis la sortie du constructeur américain du dépôt de bilan en juin 2009. Le groupe doit grimper progressivement à 35 % et dispose également d'une option pour monter à 51 %. Chrysler doit faire son retour en Bourse au second semestre 2011.

Source & photo: Belga

USA: nouvelle vague de rappels pour Chrysler et Ford

L'agence américaine de la sécurité routière, la NHTSA, a annoncé jeudi plusieurs rappels de véhicules Chrysler et Ford, concernant au total plus de 150 000 voitures pour divers problèmes de sécurité.

Pour le groupe Chrysler, plus de 65 000 Dodge Journey construits entre novembre 2007 et septembre 2008 sont rappelés pour des problèmes de circuit électrique dans une portière avant pouvant entraver le bon fonctionnement du coussin de sécurité.

D'autre part, plus de 56 000 pick-ups Ram fabriqués entre septembre 2009 et décembre 2010 ont un problème de palier d'essieu à l'arrière, qui pourraient faire caler la voiture inopinément.

Enfin un troisième rappel concerne plus de 22 000 Ram, fabriqués entre 2007 et 2010, en raison d'un problème sur la biellette de direction, qui peut conduire à une perte de contrôle du véhicule.

Du côté de Ford, le rappel concerne près de 15 000 véhicules, en majorité des pick-ups année modèle 2011, en raison d'un risque de court-circuit dû à une pièce fournie par un fournisseur qui avait fabriqué un module défectueux durant "une période de production de six jours".

Source: AFP
Photo: Chrysler

New /// Chrysler 300 Sedan 2011

La berline Chrysler 300 a reçu un important lifting. Cette Américaine ne sera pas reconduite chez nous mais elle servira de base à la remplaçante de la Lancia Thesis.

Extérieurement, la nouvelle Chrysler 300 adopte l'ADN rafraîchit de Chrysler que l'on a pu voir pour la première fois sur la récente 200. Les modifications se retrouvent au niveau de la calandre, des feux avec LED et aussi de la face arrière qui a été totalement repensée. Le profil, lui, change trés peu. A bord, l'habitacle est totalement repensé et plus haut de gamme.

Sous son capot, cette propulsion devrait encore profiter de la puissance d'un gros V8 Hemi. Un moteur moins puissant sera aussi au programme.

La nouvelle Chrysler 300 arrivera sur le marché nord-américain durant le premier trimestre 2011. En Europe, la marque Chrysler va céder sa place à Lancia. On ne verra donc pas cette routière dans nos contrées. Mais la 300 servira de base à la nouvelle Lancia Thesis. Cette dernière devrait prendre le nom de Thema. Sa présentation est attendue pour le Salon de Genève 2011.

Source & photo: Chrysler

Album Photo /// Chrysler 300 Sedan 2011

Cliquez sur "View all" pour voir tout l'album et télécharger les photos en Haute Définition!

Chrysler and Volkswagen Issue Massive Recalls on Separate Issues

Chrysler and Volkswagen have issued massive recalls, affecting a combined total of almost 600,000 vehicles. The American automaker is recalling 367,350-2008MY Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan MPVs, while Wolfsburg’s finest will notify 228,236 owners of Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models, manufactured between 2006 and 2010 that their vehicles are being called in.

According to the NHTSA report, certain variants of the Chrysler-built people carriers may experience a water leak at the heating and air conditioner drain grommet, which, eventually, can lead to inadvertently deployed airbags.

Chrysler dealers will replace the faulty part free of charge, starting from February 2011. Owners may contact the automaker at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf and Rabbit models may have a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against a fuel supply line. New Beetles equipped with the 2.5-liter engine may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose that may also chafe against a fuel supply line. The worst-case scenario is that the affected vehicles can catch on fire, due to a potential fuel leak.

Depending on the model, Volkswagen service personnel will either remove the plastic tab from the washer fluid reservoir or adjust the fastening clamp’s position.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 31, 2011. The German manufacturer can be contacted at 1-800-822-8987.

Lancia's 2011 New Year Greeting Card Teases 2012 Ypsilon, Announces Two More New Models

In a surprise move, Lancia literally outlined its forthcoming 2012 Ypsilon supermini through an animated New Year's greeting card posted on a special minisite. And if that's not enough news for you, the chalk-like drawings were accompanied by a teaser message that reads, "A new horizon, three new Lancia models".

The Italian firm did not elaborate on what these models are, however, we beleive that aside from the five-door Ypsilon, which is scheduled to arrive in European dealerships next summer, the other two vehicles will be based on Chrysler models. In particular, the new 300 full size sedan as the Thema flagship, and either the 200 mid-size sedan or the Town and Country, the latter as a replacement for the Phedra MPV.

It has been reported that in order to keep costs down, the Lancia models will be rebadged versions of their Chrysler counterparts with some minor styling tweaks, such as the front grille, exterior and interior trim, and bumper designs. Expect more news on the matter in early 2011.

European Motor Show Brussels 2011 /// Chrysler

Chrysler est désormais contrôlé par Fiat et cela ne demeure pas sans conséquence... Dès l'été prochain, en effet, la marque Chrysler disparaîtra du marché européen. Avis aux fans de la marque, le Salon de Bruxelles sera le dernier grand évènement européen du constructeur américain.

A voir sur le stand:

Dernière Européenne /// Chrysler Grand Voyager 2009

Malgré la disparition de la marque chez nous, certains modèles Chrysler resteront toutefois disponibles, mais sous le badge Lancia. La Sebring, par exemple, qui a déjà été remaniée et rebaptisée Chrysler 200 aux Etats-Unis, devrait être commercialisée chez nous en tant que Lancia. La chose est également vraie pour la grosse 300C qui, sur nos marchés, est appelée à prendre la succession de la Lancia Thesis dès la mi-2011, après avoir été quelque peu remaniée pour l'occasion.

Cette nouvelle stratégie aura également des conséquences dans notre pays. C'est ainsi que le Salon de Bruxelles 2011 sera le dernier auquel Chrysler participera en tant que tel. Un seul modèle sera du reste présent sur le stand: le Grand Voyager. Ce grand monospace sera lui aussi intégré à la gamme Lancia à la fin de l'été prochain.

Liste des véhicules présents sur le stand Chrysler:

• Grand Voyager - Dernière Européenne

Infos pratiques /// Stand Chrysler

• Lieu: Parc des Expositions de Bruxelles, Place de Belgique 1, 1020 Bruxelles
• Palais: 7
• Dates: du 15 janvier au 23 janvier 2011
• Heures: de 10 à 18h30 et jusqu'à 22h les 17 et 21 janvier 2011
• Prix: adultes 11 euros (10 euros via Internet), enfant de 6 à 12 ans 6,25 euros, enfant de moins de 6 ans gratuit.
• Plus d’infos sur: http://www.salonauto.be/

Fiat Banking on Natural Gas Engines in the US, Thinks Hybrids and EVs Present Too Many Obstacles

Fiat’s comeback to the U.S. with the 500 is just the first piece of a larger puzzle. The company’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, may give the green light for natural gas-powered cars to be sold in the Land of the Free, as they offer a cheaper way to cut emissions. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Mr. Marchionne noted that electric cars, favored by GM and Toyota, present “too many obstacles” with long recharge time for batteries being one of them.

Another company official, Constantinos Vafidis, who oversees transmission and hybrid development for the Italian maker, said that “natural gas is very suitable for the U.S., especially for public services and goods transportation, where vehicles are refueled from a central base”.

That’s why Fiat wants to target the commercial vehicle segment. The automaker has separated the Ram and Dodge brands last year, thus creating a standalone truck division. In 2012, the range could encompass various vans based on Fiat/Iveco platforms and brought over from Europe.

Natural gas is less expensive to produce, transport and distribute, which makes it an ideal solution for fleet operators. Currently, it costs about $1 less on average than a gallon of gasoline. Also, the additional cost for an engine running on natural gas is $3,000. For a diesel, this amounts to $3,300, while hybrids cost automakers a whopping $8,000.

Having an edge in production costs and the U.S. being the world’s number one provider of natural gas means that Fiat could become a major player in the eco-friendly niche. The Turin-based maker is Europe’s market leader in manufacturing methane-powered cars delivering some 127,000 units last year.

The only problem is that in America, natural gas refueling stations are vastly outnumbered by gasoline stations. There are only 1,300 stations providing natural gas for 110,000 vehicles, compared to 160,000 stations selling conventional fuels. However, this problem could be circumvented if Fiat can convince government agencies and corporate fleets that natural gas is the way to go.

BREAKING: Early Reveal for 2012 Chrysler 300 Sedan, Full Gallery Hits the Web

Knowing that we live in a world of reciprocity and "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours", we're not at all surprised by the early reveal of Chrysler's redesign 2012 model year 300 Sedan, courtesy of Motor Trend. For the record, the firm's new model was supposed to break cover at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

In any case and until the higher-ups over at the Chrysler Group decide that the rest of the world is worthy enough of some pictures, you can gaze at MT's gallery by clicking the link here. Check them out and tell us what you think about the 300's new styling direction in the comments below.

eBay Find: Chrysler Prowler Stretch Limo with Lambo Doors

We always wondered what a Prowler would like if someone had the audacity to convert the retro hotrod that began its life in 1997 as a Plymouth and ended its career in 2002 with a Chrysler badge, into a six-passenger limousine. And at last, our prayers have been answered! Nah, we're just pulling your leg but if you find stretch Hummer limos sooo 2000, then you may want to take a look at this "one-of-a-kind" Prowler limousine that can fit two passengers up front and four at the back. The car comes complete with a hard top incorporating a sliding ragtop, Lambo-style front doors and suicide rear doors.

Alfa Romeo Sale to VW Rumors Surface Again

Back in April, the Fiat Group announced yet another round of plans to revive its money-losing Alfa Romeo brand, which included the development of new models and a re-launch in the U.S market. At that time, this seemed possible as the Italian maker intended to make good use of Chrysler and its RWD platforms to expand the model range.

However, at the end of August, Alfa Romeo was rumored to be hemorrhaging about €200 million (US $261 million) annually. The brand-hungry Germans over at Volkswagen felt Fiat's need and offered to take over the historic Milanese company. After much unrest, in October, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne put an end to the rumors and reiterated his turnaround strategy, while Alfa estimated losses climbed to €306 million or about $400 million.

Now, Automotive News [AN] claims that in the past months the two companies have been discussing the sale of Alfa Romeo, but Marchionne is still undecided. So, what will happen next?

Inside sources told AN that the decision is not only about money, even though Fiat could use the cash and Volkswagen has plenty of it (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/11/vw-group-to-invest-516-billion-in-its.html). But this is a classic case of the door swinging both ways. If Fiat can survive the next couple of years, which will be the most difficult period of the turnaround plan and keep Alfa Romeo, then it could count on the premium brand to spearhead its next move.

The other scenario sees Fiat earning some quick cash, but still struggling in two year’s time, so, yes, the pressure is really on Mr. Marchionne’s shoulders.

My take on the matter is that Alfa should not be sold. Fiat has the opportunity to use platforms sourced from Chrysler, so rear-wheel drive Alfa’s could make a much anticipated come-back. Not taking this step doesn’t make sense.

Furthermore, if the Volkswagen Group acquires Alfa, it will have a tough time fitting the Italian company in a portfolio that includes brands like VW, Audi and Seat. In any case, only time will tell. In the meantime, take a look at the list below, in which Automotive News reasons the benefits of keeping or selling Alfa Romeo.

By selling Alfa, Fiat could:

• Cash in between 1.5 billion to 2 billion euros. Then the post-spinoff Fiat Auto would be virtually debt-free;

• Slash product development expenditures of at least 1.5 billion euros, since Fiat no longer would have to launch five new Alfas from 2012 through 2014;

• Boost profits in 2011 and 2012, since the company would be rid of Alfa's annual losses projected at about 200 million euros;

• Reintroduce Dodge as a sporty brand in Europe, positioned above the mainstream Fiat brand. A sporty Dodge would not overlap Lancia-Chrysler, which will focus on comfort.

And here are six good reasons why Marchionne should keep Alfa Romeo:

• If Fiat can fight through the next three years, it will emerge in 2014 with fatter profit margins and a nearly debt-free balance sheet, according to Mediobanca Securities;

• Fiat can raise as much as 2 billion euros by selling Magneti Marelli, Comau and Teksid, which produce auto parts, production tooling and engine blocks. Then Fiat wouldn't have to sell Alfa, and it could focus more closely on the auto industry. Investors would like that;

• A relaunched Alfa eventually could command profit margins of 10 percent or so. That would help Fiat to generate the 3.5 billion euro annual operating profit that Marchionne has promised by 2014;

• Fiat will save money by letting Alfa Romeo and Chrysler share platforms. Moreover, Alfa could generate sales of 500,000 units a year, helping Fiat and Chrysler to achieve economies of scale. Roughly 300,000 of the 500,000 units of Alfa planned by 2014 will be based on architectures shared with Chrysler;

• Since Alfa Romeo will share its compact wide global architecture with Jeep, Fiat could produce those vehicles together in crucial growth markets such as China and Russia;

• Without Alfa Romeo, Fiat would be hard-pressed to make reasonable volumes and decent profits with mid-sized and large cars. Aside from Ferrari's handful of supercars, Fiat would be forced to eke out a profit from low-margin segments such as minicars and compact cars.

Chrysler Confirms 2013 Dodge Viper, Says It’s Not Going to be Based on Alfa's 8C Competizione

When the last Dodge Viper rolled off the assembly line in July, there were only rumors about a new generation. A couple of months later, new information leaked about a possible successor, said to have been an “Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a Viper face”, much to the dismay of Viper fanatics. Some even went as far as to speculate that the Viper could be based on the Alfa's platform.

Now, The Detroit News reports that Chrysler officials confirmed that next summer we will see the 2013MY Viper adding that it won't be based on Alfa’s supercar. In particular, Dodge CEO, Ralph Gilles, said that the new Viper “is not based on anything else” and any similarity with the Alfa is accidental, as the two cars have different proportions.

“Where the cabin is, relative to the wheels, is unique” said Gilles. “The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore” he added.

Mr. Gilles also reassured that “there won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched” and that the 2013 Viper will be “a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people”.

Indeed, the previous generation was an unforgiving beast, without any electronic gizmos, bent on destroying those who treated it with disrespect. Granted, this accounted for much of its appeal, but a more drivable Viper is not such a bad idea - or at least it isn't for some.

The extent to which Dodge plans to dilute the sports car's much character is not known at this point. We just hope that Chrysler will keep a fine balance between the ingredients.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com