http://www.geocities.com/aut0nutt/Chrysler159.jpg

I want to agree, but I cannot. If we still judged cars by their 70′s equivalent then we’d expect all Toyotas to be small, bland and efficient. All Hondas would be small, quirky and efficient. All Datsuns (I mean Nissans) to be small, poorly built and efficient, and finally all Mazdas to be small, sporty and not quite so efficient.

We’d expect all Mercedes to be large, luxurious and thirsty (except the diesels), We’d expect all BMW’s to be small (for their segment), sporty and inefficient. We’d expect all Ferrari’s to be exotic, sporting and expensive. We’d expect all Porches to resemble a Beetle, just faster and more expensive.

We’d expect all Chryslers to be huge bits of rolling junk with quirky styling. We’d expect all Chevy’s to be a blend of not-quite-small enough for its segment, powerful for its segment, but not the best quality in its segment. We’d expect all Fords to be provided with weird noses, too much chrome and a penchant to be underpowered compared to competitors.

Now, let’s look at today:

1) Toyota – Same, except now has some people-sized cars and trucks.
2) Honda – Same, except now has some people-sized cars.
3) Datsun (Nissan) – Is as it ever was.
4) Mazda – Is as it ever was.
5) Mercedes – Is as it ever was.
6) BMW – Same, except now has some larger cars.
7) Ferrari – Is as it ever was.
Porsche – Is as it ever was.
10) Chrysler – Same, but with slightly better quality.
11) Chevy – Is as it ever was.
12) Ford – Holy crap! A car company changed everything. Ford’s are now stylish, reliable, inexpensive to operate and powerful. Who’da thunk it?

So, out of 12 brands we have one true convert, seven that haven’t changed a bit, and four that have evolved… slightly.

Unless Fiat has pulled a Ford out of its hat, we expect roughly the same as we got in the 1970′s.

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In July 2008, Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services (FGAFS) signed an agreement with Jaguar Land Rover for the provision of a full range of retail and wholesale auto financial services to Jaguar Land Rovers’ (JLR’s) dealers and customers in its main European markets. Formal integration is due to take place on 1st April 2009, and the need for a smooth transition is paramount. Any delays in meeting the deadline for integration would present significant operational, financial and reputational risks for both organisations.
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Now how do you make a catchy name out of JLRFALFCJD (initials of all those brands) ?

FIAT is an insane car company that might scare some Japanese import fans. But more over we’ll have to see what shakes out of all this. But the 500 would be an interesting foil to the almost ubiquitous Mini Cooper.

I would have been surprised is PEUGEOT jumped in on this. Maybe not if it happens later and they ultimately take CHRYSLER to be their manufacturing provider int he US. Add to this the CHRYSLER will be building the next Nissan TITAN, and that CHRYSLER really is making really good cars now, if it is bigger than a Sebring/ Avenger, and I think CHRYSLER stands so kind of a chance.

I still wouldn’t place money on in until after APRIL.

I like the Alfa brand though, they have some nice product, very pricey though.

What happens to the Ferrari brand? Will they make Ferrari edition Calibers?