Of all the information that has come out of the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings, a comment by Alfredo Altavillia, Fiat's head or business development takes the cake as the most memorable.
During questioning by bankruptcy judge Arthur Gonzales, Mr. Altavillia said that Chrysler's turnaround won't be much different that Fiat's own turnaround just a few years ago, citing the planned introduction of Fiat's manufacturing system and product development process.
Beyond the top brass, Chrysler staff will remain mostly American.
"We don't intend to ship hundreds of Italians who would get lost in the Wal-Mart," Mr Altavilla said.
FT.com: Fiat names top executive of new Chrysler
iancar says:
06:03 PM, 05/28/09
I am still lost in the Wal-Mart. How can Fiat, a company that got defeated in terms of volume, reliability, and quality by Ford Euro and Vauxhall/Opel in Europe, be a savior of Chrysler? Is Mito better than Fiesta? Is Alfa Romeo 159 better than Mondeo? Will anyone buy Fiat Panda in North America?
I just don't know what's going on.
firstwagon says:
06:13 PM, 05/28/09
I'd buy a Panda if it's priced right.
billt9 says:
07:58 PM, 05/28/09
That's good, Chrysler system process sorely needs an update. The build quality, reliability, tradition, culture, all need a transplant.
What's with the way they build cars, with metal door frames visible from the interior, covered partially by cut-out foam boards.
It's the system that needs a full update.
This is a good move.
brn says:
09:23 PM, 05/28/09
fw, I'd buy darn near anything if the price was right.
I'm with iancar. I just don't understand how a failure is supposed to be the savior.
compliance says:
09:09 AM, 05/29/09
I thought Chrysler's manufacturing process was actually one of the few strengths they had. Don't they assembled cars faster than anyone.
I believe your complaints are more design related billt9.
firstwagon says:
09:58 AM, 05/29/09
brn
good point, let me rephase that. I'd buy one if it's priced in the Yaris/ Fit range. I read that Chrysler hopes to price their Italian imports in the premium small car range which I think would be a mistake.
I don't agree Fiat is a failure though. While some companies are failing or cutting back, they are a position to buy companies or expand theirs.
This has the potential to be quite successful over the next 5 years.
stovt001 says:
11:04 AM, 05/29/09
I'm still not sure whether Fiat is a success or failure yet. I think it needs more time for things to shake out and bear fruit or go horribly awry.
My wife does want a Fiat 500. She loves the look and she loves all things Italian. Her father is an auto mechanic and has only one criteria for a car: reliability. Performance, personality, looks mean next to nothing with him. It will be interesting to see how this goes over with him.
uncanny_man says:
06:04 PM, 05/29/09
Oh, as if the Italian Ipa Familia stores (sorry if I butchered the spelling) are much smaller!