[AT] Ford V-10/Now Dodge

[Stephen Offiler]

Um... I don't think there's even a shred of truth in your buddy's claims...

Steve O.

On Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 1:33 PM, Doug Tallman <dtallman at accnorwalk.com> wrote:
> The federal aid part is scary. I have a buddy who is a tech in a
> Chrysler dealership. He claims that Mercedes was in trouble and Chrysler
> was doing good when Mercedes acquired them and Mercedes skimmed the
> money from Chrysler and then spun them off into their present state. I
> just hope Fiat isn't looking for some of our taxpayer bailout money but
> maybe we better not get started down that thread or it may become too
> political!! Doug T
>
>
>
>
>
> Stephen Offiler wrote:
>> This ought to be interesting, Charlie...
>>
>> First of all, the deal apparently isn't complete yet.  According to an
>> article in WSJ:  "The non-binding deal would involve no cash payment
>> by Fiat, and the proposed April closing is contingent on Chrysler
>> meeting U.S. government conditions for existing and hoped-for federal
>> aid."
>>
>> What effect will it have on Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep?  Well, this is
>> being painted as a barter deal.  Chrysler gets access to Fiat's small
>> cars, and Fiat gets access to Chrysler's US distribution network.  The
>> hoped-for effect is that there will still BE a Dodge, Chrysler, and
>> Jeep.  With rose-colored glasses firmly in place, expect to see new
>> (and pretty good) small cars at your local ChryCo dealership.  Fiat
>> has come a long way since they departed US shores in disgrace many
>> years ago.  I don't personally see how this will impact what we know
>> as Dodge trucks or Jeeps, again, other than keeping them around.
>>
>> Lots of problems.  Euro emissions and crash standards are about as
>> stringent as ours in round numbers but they are DIFFERENT.  There's a
>> bunch of engineering that needs to happen to get Fiat-based cars onto
>> US shores.  Timing... couple years perhaps.  What's going to keep
>> Chrysler afloat in the meantime?
>>
>> Steve O.
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>