I believe the final payment to Fiat to get out of their obligation to buy Fiat was more on the order of 1 billion rather than two (actually 900+ million i believe, plus some exchange of tangibles). Nevertheless a very clever deal by FIAT. I'm watching Chrysler closely these days, as i think that there is a possibility that after slimming down and shedding itself of unfavorables, Chrysler could emerge the strongest of the "Big Three" in about 3 to five years. I see the alliance with Fiat as a potentially brilliant rescue -- one that could turn Chrysler around more rapidly than either Ford or GM can achieve. Fiat already has small car engineering and technology in place. Their cars are very good actually. Where they failed previously in North America was in not being able to establish a strong dealer network, and perhaps in being a little too early. But now due to changing demographics and energy costs the time could be right. I would give Chrysler a standing 8-count at this point, and wait and see.
Americans on whole do not like to drive small cars. Had the market for small cars been there Fiat would have dealers knocking on their door. This is not Europe.
LOL! Fiat and Chrysler? I can just imagine the quality. A shotgun wedding if there ever was one. One of their vehicles will be lucky to make it around the block on a test drive without rusting.
Why is the taxpayer funding 8 billion dollars to this company? What a misuse of money. So do taxpayers get a free car or dividends what exactly is the point of throwing good money after bad?
Just curious how you can throw around a general blanket statement like "Americans on whole do not like to drive small cars." That may have been true in the 80s and 90s, but not today.
looks like another government bailout. Obama pushing buy American should be interesting to see what news hits from Japan, Korea and Mexico, etc. GMAC to fund and receive more funds, all is missing now is a speak in front of thousands providing a chicken in every pot. Welcome to the Socialist USA w
Cuz that's what we voted for. Massive, sprawling government everywhere, all paid for by the suckers who work for a living.
Most Americans won't fit in a small car. Many people tow stuff, boats snowmobiles, etc. If gas is reasonable people will choose a larger vehicle as they have buying suv's and p/u trucks.