Chrysler invites dealers to open Fiat dealerships

Chrysler Group LLC is inviting around 600 of its dealers to Detroit on Aug. 30 to learn more about the Fiat brand and decide whether they want to sell Fiats in the U.S.

Italian automaker Fiat, which owns 20 percent of Chrysler and has managed the automaker since it exited bankruptcy protection last year, is planning to bring the Fiat 500 small car to the U.S. later this year. It expects to have around 200 U.S. dealers....More

Chrysler Close to Naming Replacement for A123 Systems

Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker controlled by Fiat SpA, said it will soon name a new battery supplier for its electric vehicles after A123 Systems Inc. said it withdrew from the “diminished” program.

“Our plans for the EV are the same and this does not impact the program timeline,” Katie Hepler, a spokeswoman for Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler, said today in an e-mail. More details on the supplier may be announced in the “not-too- distant future,” Hepler said.

Chrysler and Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said in November that he plans to produce about 56,000 electric vehicles annually by 2014. The company in March announced plans to sell a battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 subcompact in the U.S. in 2012. A123’s deal was reached with Chrysler’s prior managers, who had suggested a full lineup of electric vehicles....More

Chrysler to discuss Fiat strategy with dealers

Chrysler Group LLC has invited 600 dealers, including all those in Metro Detroit, to a meeting in Auburn Hills Aug. 30 to learn what they need to do to sell the Fiat brand.---...More

Chrysler Turns Operating Profit Again in Second Quarter

TURIN, Italy — Chrysler Group reported its second consecutive quarterly operating profit, while corporate parent Fiat booked net income of $145 million during the quarter.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne did not specify the amount of Chrysler's operating profit, nor did he say when the U.S. automaker would return to net profitability. Chrysler will release its full quarterly financial results on August 9.---...More

Chrysler Financial Considers Lending Again - WSJ.com

DETROIT—Chrysler Financial is considering whether it will once again compete in the lending business after it was dumped by Chrysler Group LLC during the auto maker's bankruptcy last year.

The former lending unit has contacted dealers to see if they would use the company when offering consumer loans, according to three dealers contacted by The Wall Street Journal.

Chrysler Financial didn't disclose its full intentions but was "gauging" potential interest, one dealer said.Chrysler Financial Considers Lending Again - WSJ.com

AFP: Fiat takes major step towards global megagroup

MILAN — Fiat took a big step Wednesday towards the dream of its ambitious chief Sergio Marchionne to become a global megagroup with board approval for a spinoff of its non-car activities.
The maverick chief executive is seen to be positioning the group to join the fray as major world automakers seek new alliances, a year and a half after orchestrating a hook-up with near-bankrupt US automaker Chrysler.
"It will be easier for Fiat to merge with other companies, and the first that comes to mind obviously is Chrysler," said Umberto Bertele, chairman of Milan Politechnic's business school, of the restructuring....
AFP: Fiat takes major step towards global megagroup

Fiat convention goers get first dibs on 'Prima Edizione

It can pay to be a fan. Chrysler told Fiat fans at the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited in Asheville, N.C., that they can reserve a First Edition or "Prima Edizione" of the Fiat 500 that launches in December.---...More

Automotive World - US: Hyundai eyes pick-up tie-up with Chrysler - report

Hyundai has reportedly proposed plans to enter the pick-up market in the US by way of a partnership with Chrysler Group LLC.
Reuters, citing unnamed sources familiar with this matter, said a proposal made by Hyundai to Chrysler earlier in 2010 involved Chrysler building a pick-up for Hyundai, based on the Ram pick-up platform.
Chrysler's chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne turned down Hyundai's initial proposal, the report said, citing its sources. He had said that Chrysler needed to focus on its turnaround plans under Fiat.
According to the sources, Hyundai continues to be interested in the pick-up market in the country, and could come back to Chrysler to explore options. These discussions at Hyundai, however, are still in the preliminary stage.Automotive World - US: Hyundai eyes pick-up tie-up with Chrysler - report

Chrysler Canada sales up 17%, keeps No. 2 spot

Sales of the Ram pickup surged 88% over the same month last year, with 3,001 units sold (2009: 1,594 units) The Ram was Canada’s No. 5 selling nameplate in February, making Chrysler Canada the only automaker to have two of the top five selling vehicles in the country.

Canada’s No. 1 selling crossover, the Dodge Journey, had its best February ever, with sales of 1,449 units, up 53 per cent over February 2009....More

Alfa’s Guilietta hints at future Chrysler

Alfa Romeo's new Guilietta, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is a far more significant car than it might appear.
Not only has it got to appeal to a wider buying public as beleaguered Alfa tries to rebuild its European sales, it also forms the basis of what Fiat hopes will be a one-million units a year Chrysler-Fiat-Alfa range of cars....More

Chrysler Helps Alfa Romeo Return To America

Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC chief executive, gave his clearest indication yet yesterday that the Alfa Romeo brand may make a return to the North American market as the Detroit automaker continues to look for ways to integrate its new partner, Fiat SpA.

The bulk of Chrysler's sales in Canada still stem from its trucks and minivans. But the automaker is hoping to add some sex appeal to its car offerings with Fiat products in the years ahead, including the introduction of the Fiat 500 in showrooms later this year....More

Sterling Heights gives Chrysler extension for plant transfer

Chrysler Group LLC has two more weeks to finalize the transfer of ownership of its Sterling Heights assembly plant and sequencing center to be eligible for $8.2 million in continued tax abatements from the community...More

Chrysler News: Fiat Preps for U.S. Comeback With 500

After 15 years of absence, Fiat prepares its comeback to U.S. showrooms this December with the 2011 Fiat 500...More

Viper May Continue in 2012

Ralph Gilles, who is also head of the Dodge brand, said Thursday that he knows the Viper is a halo vehicle for Dodge, noting that kids around the world drive digital Vipers in video games....From The Detroit News:

Chrysler News:Return Your 2010 Chrysler Minivan, No Questions Asked

Chrysler kicked off a new marketing program for its 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans on Thursday. It lets customers return the vehicles, no questions asked, within 60 days if they aren't happy...More