All Hail The Chrysler Nano?
The NYT Wheels blog has connected the dots between Fiat and Tata, and have concluded that the Nano could eventually be sold through Fiat at US Chrysler dealers. Tata and FIat have already discussed the possibility of selling the Nano in “markets where Fiat has already a strong presence.” Since the Nano is officially coming stateside in 2011, perhaps they decided that “where Chrysler has already a presence” is close enough. The Times mentions that Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne likes to talk about a Fiat budget brand, and suggests that Autobianchi might be a fun monikker to dust off. But why not just call it a Dodge or Chrysler? Since the 500 is going to be the only Fiat headed stateside, Tata’s volkswagen will either suit up in ChryCo colors or lock the dealer net into open competition with Roger Penske’s Wide World Of Cars. “Come on down folks! A car from every continent!” We now return you to the rescue of the American auto industry, already in progress.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
Comments
Join the conversation
Nanu, nanu! Oops, wrong show. Autobianchi rhymes with donkey. That's the name they should use. Al Gore's "limo driver could see over all the traffic ahead while transporting Al from his 26,000 sq. ft. mansion to the airport to board his private jet." He rides in one of those stretched Toyota Sequoias, doesn't he? His chauffeur should already be able to see over most cars.
Fiat and Tata have been "in talks" for at least 4yrs and nothing has come out of it yet. And let's see, hatch that won't open, car has trouble getting over 70km/h, the engine barely cracks 36hp, it can't run on alcohol. After the necessary "Brazilitiation (similar to the Federalization need for US)" it'll would sell for roughly 10 to 15% lower (the basic one w/ no air con, power anything etc.) than the cheapest car in the Brazilian market (according to leading Brazilian car rags and sites). Hummm can't see it, though more choices is always good. So American friends, don't worry. If it really can't cut the mustard for our standards, imagine for yours.
Re: FromBrazil However, in your case, you don't have the ONE mandating that all prole have to buy the government mandated vehicle. Who care if it isn't safe.
fincar1: 'Al Gore’s “limo driver could see over all the traffic ahead while transporting Al from his 26,000 sq. ft. mansion to the airport to board his private jet.” He rides in one of those stretched Toyota Sequoias, doesn’t he?' Hmmm... does the UAW know this?