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Re: FIAT and BMW Posted by ryan [Email]  (#2222) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from ryan) on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 03:56:13
In Reply to: Re: FIAT and BMW, Mark from Toronto, Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:38:44 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Playing devil's advocate a bit, what are the huge improvements in Chrysler products? Never cared for the 300, the new one is a refinement, yes, but more or less the same thing. The 200 was an improvement over a truly lousy car, but it just brings it - almost - up to par with the competition. They aren't selling very well though, and the car still looks bland. Besides that, I guess there are the minivans, pretty much left unchanged -- and a market Chrysler has always done well in. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great looking SUV, but this was technically before Marchionne. I still don't see Chrysler Group vehicles being anywhere near their domestic counterparts, but I am hoping that changes.
Marchionne did help Fiat, from a business point of view, but where I disagree is that I'm not convinced he knows what a good car is. You are right, you can't just build great cars, but in this market you MUST aim to build great cars.
See, the same issues are there for Fiat, and this is coming from a fan of Italian (and Swedish) cars. Alfa Romeo is essentially riding on two models now, the MiTo and Giulietta. I'm glad they are doing well, but to me they are two of he uglier Alfas in many years. Lancia is a former shell of itself. Considering Lancia is truly one of the greatest marques in automotive history, to be relegated to rebadged Chrysler 200s is just too much. This to me is Marchionne being a "business guy". Even Fiat is relying way too heavily now on the 500 and Panda. The Punto Evo is a flop, the Bravo just sells ok, and the rest of the cars are in the noise.
We'll see what happens, but it isn't fun seeing these brands and SAAB all on shaky footing.
posted by 76.89.129...
, Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:43:00, Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:48:22, Fri, 29 Apr 2011 03:56:13 <-- Viewing This Message
, Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:08:16
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