Fiat, Daimler to partner to produce next-generation compact cars?
11/07/2007, 3:38 PM
By Drew Johnson
Fiat’s chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, has revealed that the Italian automaker could enter into a partnership with Daimler that would include more than just engines. Fiat inked a $3.49 billion deal with Daimler earlier this year to supply it with truck engines, but the new accord could see Fiat producing the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class compact cars.
“We’re not just talking with Daimler about engines, we’re talking about everything,” Marchionne told Reuters. He failed to mention any specific details about the discussions.
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11/07, 3:47 PM
posted by:
autonut
It is logical and was done before: Axes during WW II.
Fiat has an awesome small diesel technology and their cars improved a lot compare to their days of “marriage” with GM. 2 Billion USDs from GM helped as well.
11/07, 4:01 PM
posted by:
atourya
Wow! that’s a great partnership! should make for an extremely quirky car though… but this is definitely good.
11/07, 4:04 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
we will never see those in the US
11/07, 4:12 PM
posted by:
atourya
I don’t know about that christianboy, with the push for more efficient vehicles, Fiat is going to have a good market to enter… and I have been noticing that they have been eyeing/trying to get more American exposure.
11/07, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Spingood Tanoya
I can just see the advertising slogan: “All the reliability of Fiat at the price of a Mercedes!”
11/07, 4:31 PM
posted by:
autonut
Spingood, that was great!
In truth even Benz reliability isn’t all that great for small cars: that is why Benz needs this relationship and pays 3.5B to Fiat.
11/07, 4:56 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
lol Just say no!
11/07, 5:19 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
LMAO…Spingood Tanoya…
11/07, 5:34 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
What are they aiming for? World’s most unreliable vehicle?
11/07, 5:57 PM
posted by:
inline6
The British and the French used to make vehicles that would make modern Italian cars look indestructible.
11/07, 6:02 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
The British STILL make paper bag cars.
11/07, 8:28 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Haha I say bring on the Fiats, and Alfa Romeo’s! I think the Mini’s have had success here in this country and they might too. When I was touring parts of Europe over the last couple years I fell in love with the Alfa Romeo Brera GT Coupe. They do need to bring these cars to the U.S market.
11/08, 12:37 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Pff I’d rather have a Clio Renaultsport 197 plus the A-B Benz aren’t going to be sold here they will talk but its not gonna happen I’d be really suprised due to US markets acceptence. If they do itll be based on US reaction to the A1 and if Audi brings the S1 to the US.
11/08, 1:12 AM
posted by:
Mar Solo
I can see it now, the new X19 AMG edition.
11/08, 2:41 AM
posted by:
fan
dont know what you guys are complaining about…. had some fiats so far, no major problems ever…
11/08, 7:31 AM
posted by:
Get Real
Otto, we need another crappy quality company to take over, Chrysler is gone….who do we have next ????
11/08, 10:18 AM
posted by:
autonut
Benz does not plan to sell A & B models in US for 2 reasons: the first one that they are not capable of certifying small engine in US for operation (just like big 3); the second with reliability or luck of thereof on A & B they are afraid of bad publicity in the biggest cash cow market. Actually due to luck of reliability Benz is paying 3.5 B to FIat, not out of goodness of their hearts or out of love to former war ally.
The Smart, as you may know, is not even distributed in States by Benz to keep them arm length away from future reliability issues.
11/08, 9:33 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
All I want is a FIAT 500 or an Abarth. I don’t care if I have to set foot in a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Isuzu/Plymouth/Eagle/AMC dealership to buy it. Just bring it over; the rest of this crap Pffft.
11/09, 7:51 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Guys, all this ****ing crap spewed about Fiat unreliability. Who’s talking all this ****, a bunch of North Americans whose last memory of Fiat is the outgoing 164 from 1991?
Times have changed ladies, the change Fiat has undergone since then is no different from the change Hyundai has undergone.
Now everyone choke on a thick, meaty ****stick before speaking again. **** you all very much, DeansterTJ
11/09, 12:24 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
That looks nice.
deantj: you mean “****stick.”