Will Chrysler-Fiat last forever?

[Exploder]

How long do you think the merger will last?

[Suziebob]

It'll be over probably in 5 years, mostly in 10. Fiat is far from a strong financial enterprise, and the auto-market in Europe is turning around slower than in the US. I believe the alliance will last a long time, but that the financial merger itself will end up collapsing before the end of next decade.

[Quixote88]

Honestly, I'm not sure how long this will last...
My first impression was that Fiat would find themselves out of their element and in over their heads trying to sell Europeanized Chryslers, Dodges, and Jeeps in the U.S.... Thus, they would cut out in 5 years or less, leaving only Jeep and possibly Dodge Trucks for sale to the highest bidder, as the "Chrysler" and "Dodge" car brands die on the vine.

The Fiat/Chrysler promotional media pageant that was held this past week was encouraging, but not convincing, not to me anyway. Too much of the stated goals were pie in the sky at best... I could write pages on why I feel that way, but I won't hijack your thread!

Marchionne is enigmatic. I really do like his confidence and commitment. Every time I see him speak, I'm impressed. He has a very blue collar, not afraid to get his hands dirty vibe about him. But my opinion is that his and the Fiat/Chrysler board's outlook for Chrysler is far too optimistic for the short term goal that they spelled out. I believe they have misjudged not only the Chrysler brands' stature in the U.S., but also the increasing strength of other brands offered in the U.S. market... Including, ironically, the new GM.

[artrix]

Nothing lasts forever, i'd say until late 2010's.

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

I just hope Mopar survives somehow, becomes strong enough to survive on it's own if FIAT decides to cut them loose.

[stormwatcher]

If the merger can last the next 12 months, then I think it will survive. But Chrysler's sales haven't shown any sign of recoverning like GM and Ford's have, and if sales don't start improving soon for them, I think Fiat will find their financial projections for Chrysler unworkable and bail on the merger.

[throwback]

I looked over their plan and it is mighty thin on product for the next 2 years. My guess is the Chrysler brand will be phased out. What will be left is Ram (trucks), Dodge cars and Jeep. 5 years from now Fiat will be selling their cars here, Ram will handle trucks and someone else will own Jeep.

[JBsZ06]

I think it will last a few decades.. LOL ..

I do like the idea of getting alfa back in the states..

Based off rwd V8 challengers and chargers....

what the hell if its designed by italians it could be a huge hit..

Small fiats as dodge small cars makes sense if done right...as long as they don't just put the dodge grill on fiat sporty little cars..

I hear the new dodge chargers a stunning vehicle....and if I needed a mid priced 6.4 liter hemi sedan...I'd buy the charger srt/8 for sure...

beats a taurus and an impala

[BlackGTP]

Time will tell - I'm thinking 10 years or less. I just don't think there is much room left in the US for Chrysler. I think the Dodge and Chrysler names are all used up and have as much attraction as Woolworths did in it's final days - which is none. I'm thinking the Ram brand will be a dud as well......

I wish good luck to Chrysler/Fiat and hope I'm very wrong.

[PAULSTS1]

At least until December 21, 2012!



PS: You know the saying: "Ask a dumb question...."

[2648562]

As a GM fan, I don't exactly buy into the bigger is better mentality. But if Fiat is well received (from the getgo), and Chrysler can focus on what they do best, I don't see them failing anytime soon.

[Mustapha Mond]

I hope whatever transpires down the road that Chrysler survives somehow. I'm unlikely to ever have one parked in my driveway but I respect Chrysler's history. It would be a sad day in America if they disappeared I think.
-Elliott

[Stéphane Dumas]

Originally Posted by PAULSTS1

At least until December 21, 2012!



PS: You know the saying: "Ask a dumb question...."

I think then Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will still stand in 2015 even if a) there with Fiat or b) Fiat dropped the ball and GM get Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep when the Cubs will go in the World Series against Miami (if you saw "Back to the Future II", there was a fictionnal team named Miami Gators http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to..._urban_legends ironically the Florida Marlins will move closer to the core of Miami changing their name to Miami Marlins )

[GMfan1111]

it'll last but it depends on how fiat handles things when it comes to management. The reason chrysler and Daimler had such a hard time coexisting was because management and communications between the two (especially in the engineering department) were horrid and on top of it all were the massive fund cuts daimler imposed that irked even more chrysler employees and higher ups

[2002 Caddy]

Fiat will out last Chrysler...

My prediction, just like MB did about 10 years ago, Fiat will bleed Chrysler of anything left... They will slowly wind down operations and we will eventually only be left with Jeep... Fiat will sell that off and nothing will remain...

depending on the economy and government involvement the wind down will happen over 18 months (Bad economy and minimal "meddling") or 10 years (Good economy and lots of government involvement). But either way it will happen...

Chrysler has been dead since the bailout in the 70's its just taken this company over 40 years to die.