The Chrysler Patient: Prognosis Guarded

Analysts will have a lot of uncomfortable questions tomorrow when Chrysler reports post-bankruptcy financial results, while Fiat unveils “la strategia grande” domani in Italy. They will finally unveil their long-awaited 5 year plan.

According to Reuters, “more questions than answers could still remain about Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne’s turnaround strategy.” The most uncomforting question will be: “Are you sure?”

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What's Wrong With This Picture: Rhetorical Question Edition
If there’s anything “wrong” with the Ferrari 599 GTO, it’s that they’re only building 599 of them. Which in turn guarantees tha…
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Fiat Wants Larger Share Of Chrysler Pie, Has Difficulties At Home

In June 2009, Fiat was handed 20 percent of a washed and rinsed Chrysler for no cash, and despite protests, the deal was rammed through. The UAW was given 55 percent, the U.S. and Canadian governments controlled 8 and 2 percent, respectively. Often overlooked, or forgotten, the deal came with an option for Fiat to raise its stake to 35 and eventually as high as 51 percent if it meets some rather vague financial and developmental goals, hashed out with the U.S. government.

Sergio Marchionne thinks the goals are met. He plans to increase Fiat’s holdings in Chrysler to 35 percent within two years, says Reuters.

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Boys Gone Wild In Brazilian Car-Naval

In the world of automobiles, it appears that China isn’t the only fruit ripe for the plucking. Brazil is buzzing. They’re weathering the current economic fragility very well, and companies are looking to invest in there. Down in Brazil, economically speaking, it’s car-naval time!

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Fiat: Premature Eviction? [UPDATE: Production Moving To North America?]

Media from Associated Press to The Business Standard of India are abuzz with reports that Fiat (the company) is planning to cut 5000 jobs and will be spinning off its car division this summer. The stock market seems to like the idea: Fiat’s shares rose 4.15 percent.

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European Car Sales, February 2010: Ouch

European new car sales have fallen back to crisis levels. With many of the incentive programs withdrawn or phasing out, it’s back to reality. Reality is quite rough. Basically, Europe is back where it was in the carmageddon days of early 2009. The few bright spots are caused by on-going life support measures. Without government generosity, the European market place would be a wasteland.

New passenger car registrations in the EU increased by a mere 3 percent in February. Compared to the pre-crisis levels of February 2008, new car registrations decreased by 16 percent, reports the European Automobile Manufacturers Association ACEA.

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What's Wrong With This Picture: A Solstice For Alfa's Dark Night Of The Soul Edition
With all the drama surrounding Alfa Romeo’s future, it’s heartening to see that the brand is still taking the time to work on core competencies l…
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Fiat Shuts Down Italian Production For Two Weeks As Post-Clunker Sales "Collapse"
Fiat is acknowledging a “a collapse in orders” as Italian scrappage rebates expire, and as a result, all six Italian Fiat plants will close for t…
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Alfa's America Amore

Alfa has rekindled its long lost love with a mature lady: Aunt America.

Last December, Cammy Corrigan reported on TTAC that there are “very important opportunities for Alfa Romeo in the United States.” At least in the eyes of Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Fiat. Despite being the object of unconditional admiration of Alfa-crazed owners, commonly known as “Alfisti,” Fiat’s sporty brand has reportedly lost €200m-€400m per year for the last decade. So something needs to be done.

Andiamo a America,” appears to be la soluzione in Torino. Reuters reports that “Alfa Romeo is likely to return to North America by 2012 after a 15-year hiatus.” Alfas were last sold in America in 1995.

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  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉