Word: fiat
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne wants to use the Italian carmaker's technology to sharpen the focus of the Chrysler brands, insiders say. For example, Fiat's technology could allow Chrysler to build a reputation for high performance - not something it's known for today. The new technology could also augment Chrysler's traditional strength in four-wheel-drive, sport utility and truck segments, which are under pressure from rising fuel prices...
...Think Chrysler Lite. "Fiat already has the lowest C02-emitting engines in Europe," says a Chrysler official privy to the product discussions, who asked not to be identified. "Their strength is our opportunity," he gushes. Chrysler is eager to get new vehicles on the road adapting subcompact and compact car architecture, he adds. "We might not sell a minicar in the U.S., but we could sell it somewhere else." But there's a big potential U.S. play too: "We also have to worry about the new [fuel-economy] standards," he says...
...Perhaps most important, Fiat gives Chrysler access to up-to-date small engines, says Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Mich., which keeps tabs on technical developments in the automotive business. The technology package from Fiat might include an experimental two-cylinder engine of less than 1-liter displacement, which has more than enough horsepower to drive a small car, says Hall. The engine is about half the size of the smallest engines now sold...
...return, Fiat gets access to Chrysler's new V6, which could open up new upper-tier segments in Europe. Fiat doesn't have a competitive...
...Suppliers also hope that Fiat will transfer some of its well-honed diesel technology to Chrysler. Chrysler buys diesel engines for vehicles it sells in Europe, but it withdrew a diesel-powered Jeep Liberty from the U.S. market last year because the European-made engine didn't seem to meet the expectations of American consumers. Also, Chrysler needs a new diesel engine for export markets in Latin America and the Middle East...