Marchionne gets Nasty, Tells VW Boss Piech to go and Fix SEAT Instead of Eyeing Alfa Romeo

Speaking at the J.D. Power and Associates International Automotive Round-table in San Francisco, Fiat Group and Chrysler LLC CEO Sergio Marchionne bluntly reiterated that the Italians won’t sell Alfa Romeo to the Volkswagen Group, or anyone else for that matter.

“As long as I am CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, Mr. Piech will never have Alfa Romeo. It's hands-off. I told him. I will call him and I will email him”, Marchionne said.

According to Automotive News Europe, Marchionne also took a shot at VW, saying that the group's Chairman Ferdinand Piech should try to turn around Seat, its struggling Spanish brand, instead of eyeing Alfa.

“I'm not the one who bought Seat. He's the one who bought it. I don't know if he can [fix it], but he needs to try”, the Italian official commented.

We’ll remind you that selling Alfa Romeo has been a hot topic for the past year or so, but Fiat never confirmed the rumors, periodically stating that it prefers to revitalize the Milanese company. Prior to Marchionne’s latest remark, it was Fiat Chairman John Elkann who also said that Alfa is not for sale.

“We would not sell Alfa even if we were offered tons of money”, Elkann told reporters on the sidelines of last month’s Detroit Auto Show, adding that the brand will be relaunched in the U.S. in 2012.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: ANE (Sub. required)

Marchionne: Fiat and Chrysler Could Merge into a Single Entity in a Few Years

Speaking at the J.D. Power and Associates International Automotive Roundtable, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne today told reporters that the two companies could merge into a single entity based in the U.S. in the near future. Until then, Chrysler first has to refinance its government loans and launch an initial public stock offering, but Marchionne hopes that both will happen this year.

“Who knows? In the next two or three years, we could be looking at one entity. It could be based here”, said Marchionne. The companies are considering various “alternatives and scenarios. First we need to integrate them operationally and then look at governance”, he added.

Ever since the Fiat Group acquired a stake in Chrysler, in June 2009, the Italian company's main goal was to revamp the American brand’s portfolio. Models like the recently introduced 2011 Chrysler 200, 2011 Chrysler 300 and 2011 Chrysler Town & Country are just the tip of the iceberg, as the automaker wants to launch a total of sixteen all-new or revised models in 2011.

The automakers are also working on sharing an increasing number of platforms and technologies, which will help them to further expand their lineups. For example, early 2012 will mark the debut of a new Dodge compact sedan, built using Fiat underpinnings, with other models expected to follow afterwards.

Fiat currently owns 25 percent of Chrysler, a stake that could rise to 35% if a series of performance-related targets are achieved.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

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VIDEO: Fiat Engineer Explains the Differences Between the US- and Euro-Spec 500

During the U.S. presentation of the new 2012 Fiat 500, the Italian company's Chief Engineer Fabio Dimuro explained to journalists the main differences and changes compared to the European specification model. These include - but are not limited to- exterior and interior improvements, the introduction of a more appropriate for American consumers Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, additional insulation that helped reduce powertrain noise levels from 76 db to 71 db, the addition of MultiAir intake system to the 1.4-liter engine, while Fiat and Chrysler also worked together to redesign the car's rear-axle. Hop over the jump to watch the video.

Via Youtube [Thanks for the tip Dario]

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Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011' Flies to Los Angeles for Promo Shoot

The Fiat Group is trying to make the best of its newly found contacts in the U.S. after its partnership with Chrysler LLC as the Italian automaker chose the city of Los Angeles to shoot the promotional photos as well as a new TV spot for its limited edition Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011', which goes on sale in Europe this month. The special edition version of the ageing Ypsilon adds some unique styling touches such as bespoke color options for the body work and cabin trim, plus an upgraded interior with new fabrics and leather surfaces with contrast piping.

The 'Collection 2011' or as it is called in Italy, 'Collezione 2011', will be the last hurrah for the current Ypsilon as Lancia will unveil an all-new model at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. The next generation will be the first ever model in the Ypsilon series to be offered with a five-door body style, but more to come on that before the end of the month, so stay tuned on Carscoop.

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Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

As for the car itself, it was created by the Italian brand's official importer for Luxembourg, Autopolis, in association with Gulf Petroleum, to celebrate the latter's 10th anniversary in the country.

Only ten examples of the Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition will be built, each priced at €25,000 (not including VAT) a piece, which is about US$34,000. Aside from the iconic Gulf Racing livery, the special edition 500s also get the 'esseesse' performance kit that pushes the 1.4-liter turbo engine's output to 160-ponies, a Monza sport exhaust and Corse-Sabelt racing buckets with the seatbacks finished in Gulf-blue.

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EPA Rates the 2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG on the Highway

The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.

The 500 is produced at the Fiat Group’s Toluca plant in Mexico and it will start arriving in larger volumes this spring. The automaker plans to open a total of 130 dealerships, of which 40-50 will be in business by the end of March, while the rest should be open by the end of the year, according to Fiat North America.

At the start of sales three models will be available. The entry-level Pop costs $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charge. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.

All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Compared to its European counterpart, the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 was modified in order to be more appealing to American customers. The automatic transmission is one of the major additions, but the North American car is also quieter and has a more comfortable ride, while the 101HP 1.4-liter FIRE engine received the MultiAir intake system as well. Fiat claims that MultiAir improves fuel efficiency and power output by 10% over the Euro-spec engine.

Last but certainly not least on the public’s necessities list, the U.S. version also comes with larger cupholders.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

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Fiat Preparing Limited Run Abarth 500 in Gulf Livery [Updated]

We've received several e-mails tipping us off on a new limited edition version of the Fiat Abarth 500 Essesse dressed in the Gulf racing livery, which will reportedly be offered exclusively in Luxembourg in a limited run of 10 cars priced at €25,000 (plus VAT) a piece. While we appreciate all tips sent in, that doesn't mean we aren't going to -or at least try our best to- perform a background check and either confirm or debunk a story.

In this case, we didn't find a press announcement, but that doesn't necessarily mean the story is not true. However, the picture that has been floating around on several websites has definitely been doctored, and we say this not only because the colors are off, but mainly because we found the original image. Hoax or not, we must say that the 500 Abarth looks awesomely cool in those traditional racing colors.

*Update 1: Un point to the folks at Auto55 for sending in the official press release from Fiat Belgium (added after the jump) confirming the Gulf model - but not the photo, as we've already proved.

*Update 2: The guys from Autofan e-mailed the press photo in its original compression. Apparently, Fiat mastered the photoshoped image...

Source: Auto55 & Autofans & Vroom

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Foreign Automakers Review Relationships with Tunisian Partners, which...”happen” to be Relatives of the Ousted President

The looting of the Ferrari 599 GTB owned by former Tunisian president Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali and the smashing of cars owned by his relatives including a Ferrari California may have been eye-catching in an offbeat sort of way, but there are more important automotive-related stories coming out from Tunisia.

It has been reported by several news agencies that Tunisians are also destroying random vehicles made by Kia, Fiat, Porsche and other makers. The reason? Because the companies that distribute them are controlled by members of the ruling family. Now, in light of all the latest developments, many international automakers are reviewing their business ties to the extended family of Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali, according to the Financial Times.

The daily newspaper said that up until now, the country's car market, which totaled just under 60,000 units in 2010, was heavily regulated by its trade ministry that favored importers controlled one way or another by relatives of the former president or his wife, Leila Trabelsi.

Companies controlled or owned by the family members of the ousted presidential couple include:

-Ford, which sells cars in Tunisia through a company partially owned by Belhassen Trabelsi, the former president’s brother-in-law;

-Ennakl, a dealer for Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, and Seat controlled by Mohamed Sakher al-Materi, the president’s son-in-law;

-Kia, which distributes its models through City Cars, part of the El Materi Princess Holding, another company controlled by the former president’s son-in-law, Mohamed Sakher al-Materi;

-Le Moteur, which acts as an importer for several companies including Mercedes-Benz and Fiat, and is owned by Marouane Mabrouk, the deposed president’s son-in-law;

-Peugeot, which is represented by Stafim, a company in which Mehdi Belgaid – said to be engaged to Halima Ben Ali, the former president’s daughter – owns a stake;

Some carmakers such as Audi have stopped exporting their cars to the country because they are not sure if they would clear customs as well for their safety once they arrive on the dealer lots. The financial daily quoted Audi as saying; “We will have to look at whether we can continue doing business with this partner and whether they are the right partner for us. ”

Ford said it also looking into the matter and reassessing ties with its Tunisian importer, while Mercedes-Benz said it found no wrongdoing on behalf of Le Moteur but will monitor the situation. A Peugeot spokesman said the automaker will wait to see what the new government will do with companies associated with the president's family.

Other carmakers, including Kia and Porsche, said that for the time being, they will continue to do business as usual with their partners. Porsche in particular said it has no plans to change its arrangement with Ennaki “as long as the company is operational and paying for cars”.

The newspaper said that Fiat "would not comment on its business in Tunisia, or its local partner."

Source: Financial Times

Fiat Embarks on a New Journey with Dodge-based Freemont 7-Seat Crossover

Sergio Marchionne's plans to infuse the Fiat Group' portfolio with North American models and the Chrysler Group's lineup with European products are starting to take shape with the presentation of the new Fiat Freemont, which is nothing more than a re-badged Dodge Journey.

The first Fiat vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March and go on sale in the second half of the year.

The Freemont is based on the refreshed Dodge Journey with the only visible changes on the outside concerning the Fiat styled alloy wheels and front grille. In fact, Fiat didn't even bother to redesign the front bumper to accommodate the shorter grille simply opting to add a body-colored extension underneath.

There are no photos of the interior, which keeps the Journey's 7-seat layout, but chances are it will remain unchanged.

What Fiat did do is replace the pre-facelift Dodge Journey's VW-sourced 140HP turbo diesel with its own line of oil-burners. At launch, the Freemont will have front wheel drive with a 2.0-liter MultiJet diesel available in two states of tune with 140HP and 170HP. Later on, the crossover model will also be available in 4x4 versions with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet diesel and Chrysler's 276 HP 3.6-liter gasoline engine, both with automatic transmissions.

The Freemont will be offered in two trim levels. The base model offers 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The better equipped metropolitan version will include 17-inch rims, touchscreen radio with 8.4” screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.

All models will be equipped with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard.

Production of the Fiat Freemont will take place in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.

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2011 Fiat Freemont

Fiat has releases photos and details for the 2011 Fiat Freemont, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Fiat Freemont measures 489 cm in length, 188 cm in width and 172 cm in height and has a 289 cm wheelbase. The Fiat Freemont promises plenty of interior space, thanks to its seven seat capacity and 90 degree opening doors.

Most of Journey's exterior design has been kept,  except for the front bumper which has been redesigned, and received new fog lights. The Fiat Freemont has also received new alloys and under the bonnet the 7-seater will be fitted with either a 140 HP or a 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet engine which will send power to the front wheels.

Two different trim levels will be offered, each with seven seats as standard. Triple-zone air con, keyless entry, cruise, a tyre pressure monitoring system, fog lights and a touchscreen radio are all standard, while the top-spec model adds bigger wheels, a bigger touchscreen, a DVD player, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and auto headlights.





Press Release

Fiat Freemont, international debut

The next Geneva motor show will host the debut of the new Fiat Freemont, which will go on sale in the second half of 2011.

The Freemont built on the base of the Dodge Journey, is the first Fiat vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group. It will be produced in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.

The very name conjures up a sense of freedom, the pleasure of life in the open air, of adventure and the possibility of facing any situation that arises in daily life with equanimity.

The Fiat Freemont is in fact a 'factotum vehicle' designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time.

The vehicle combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. The dimensions (length of 489 cm, width of 188 cm and height of 172 cm) guarantee outstanding interior roominess, aided by the best wheelbase in its category (289 cm).

The Fiat Freemont guarantees maximum roominess, comfort and versatility due to its 7 standard seats with a genuine third row of roomy seats that is easily accessible because the doors open to 90°. The seats of the third row may be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor and create a regular load platform. The seats of the second row are fitted higher than those at the front while the third row is raised in relation to the second allowing all occupants maximum visibility.

The second row can also be fitted with the innovative child booster system: booster seats are used to make sure that children on board are sitting correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort.

On-board comfort is also assured by a high driving position, new roomy and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres.

The vehicle's very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers and grille. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights.

The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a strikingly good-looking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen.

To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two outfits will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both outfits is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the 'Fiat fair price' strategy.

Both outfits will offer 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include 17" alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4" screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.

The Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4x4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT- Fiat PowerTrain.
The vehicle's dynamic performances have also been improved with the aid of Fiat engineering, which has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and directness. Driving comfort is further guaranteed by significant improvements to passenger compartment soundproofing.

Safety is top level with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard on all vehicles.