Before Fiat entered the picture, Chrysler had big plans with Nissan. The two automakers were slated to collaborate on three separate vehicle projects, including a small car for the U.S. market. However, Chrysler’s recent bankruptcy and tie-up with Fiat significantly changed the automaker’s future plans, force Chrysler and Nissan to part ways on any future vehicle plans.
According to a joint statement from both companies, Chrysler and Nissan have decided to abandon all three OEM vehicle supply plans that were announced in early 2008. Under the previous plan, Nissan was to supply Chrysler with a compact car for the South American market as well as a small car for the U.S. and other global markets. In return, Chrysler was set to build the next-generation of the Nissan Titan pickup truck on the same architecture as the Dodge Ram .
Chrysler will continue to source some of its transmissions from Nissan .
Neither company gave a concrete explanation for the breakup – saying only “it was in the best interests of both companies to end the projects†– but it’s quite clear that Fiat’s new involvement with Chrysler was the main factor. Fiat will supply Chrysler with a number of small cars for the U.S. market, making the Nissan contract redundant. However, it is a little surprising to hear that the Ram -based Titan was abandoned, given that Fiat has little interest in the pickup truck segment and the deal would have been beneficial to both Chrysler and Nissan.
