Fiat Introduces Chrysler Models to European Market

Mar 1 2011

Fiat will make use of this week's Geneva Motor Show to exhibit an array of cars manufactured by its partner, Chrysler. According to a press release this will complement Fiat's existing range of Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia models.

One of the cars that Fiat will exhibit at the show is a European version of the Dodge Journey 7-seater. The car has undergone slight modifications to make it more acceptable to a European car finance audience.

The Fiat Freemont has also been modified from its American predecessor for the European market. Among the most important changes are a stiffer suspension and a redesigned interior. According to a company spokesperson, these changes were made to ensure that the Freemont would not simply be a Dodge with an Italian badge on the bonnet.

"We are not rebadging," chief executive Sergio Marchionne insists. "We are utilising our brand names to spread the products globally."

Fiat of course already owns Alfa Romeo and Lancia. The company also has shares in Maserati and Ferrari. Marchionne believes that the cooperation with Chrysler will give them access to a whole new range of models, improving the choices available to car finance buyers.

As an example of the benefits to be derived from the cooperation agreement, he mentioned that a small 4x4 Jeep-inspired vehicle is going to be built at the Fiat factory in Turin. This will replace the Patriot and Compass and be marketed under the Alfa Romeo brand name.

Author - Louise Hutchinson

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