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7 new Fiat models bound for U.S.; 9 Chryslers to go abroad
By James R. Healey, USA TODAY
Fiat Auto plans to sell seven of its vehicles in the U.S. by 2014, while Fiat-controlled Chrysler Group is to supply nine models to sell under Fiat brands in the European market, according to a five-year plan rolled out Wednesday in Turin, Italy, by Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.
The product-exchange plans lacked detail but were somewhat more specific than those provided in Marchionne's Nov. 4 presentation in the U.S. focusing on Chrysler's five-year future.
He also announced a plan to spin off the industrial conglomerate's units making trucks, including Iveco, and tractor equipment, including Case New Holland, as a separate company, leaving Fiat Group focused on autos. The spinoff would take about six months to complete after board approval.
At least five of the Fiat Auto models are expected to be marketed in the U.S. under its Alfa Romeo brand, starting with a large Giulia sedan and wagon in 2012. The Giulia currently is being developed to replace Alfa's 159 being sold in Europe now.
"The Alfa brand needs a lot of work" to improve its image as troublesome, "but they're willing to put in the work," said John Wolkonowicz, senior auto analyst for the North American market at consultant IHS Global Insight.
He listened to the six-hour Fiat financial and product presentation and said Marchionne "made a compelling case" Chrysler will survive, earn a profit and be in good shape when Fiat smaller cars begin to join its lineup, probably under the Dodge brand.
Showing the level of integration envisioned, an Alfa product introduction timeline shows Chrysler-built compact and full-size SUVs going on sale in 2012 and 2014, respectively, as Alfas in both European and North American markets.
From Chrysler's view it was a welcome guarantee that its factories, which mainly build for the North American market, would crank up production to supply other markets.
Fiat said the plan aims to "fully utilize production capacity of both organizations without any 'brick and mortar' investment."
The upbeat product presentation came against a money-losing backdrop. Fiat surprised analysts by reporting a $34 million first-quarter loss and warned that auto operations will be hurt by the phase-out of European programs similar to the U.S. cash-for-clunkers program. Chrysler, 20% owned by the Italian company since bankruptcy reorganization last year, lost $197 million in the first quarter.
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Kia Cadenza
The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. There is a futuristic ‘floating’ dashboard that highlights Kia’s uniquely innovative design approach. Power will likely come from a 2.4-liter Theta four-cylinder producing 175 hp and a 3.5-liter Lambda V6 producing 273 hp. |
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Dodge Ram Bianco
The Ram Bianco is a luxury-oriented concept version of the company’s full-size trucks. Outside, the modifications include a hard tonneau cover – and a washable “bed rug” below – a Mopar body kit with bigger fender flares, and an Arctic Ice paint scheme. |
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Chevy Volt
The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. In fact, its propulsion system is so revolutionary, it’s unlike any other vehicle or electric car that’s ever been introduced. And we’re making this remarkable vision a reality, so that one day you’ll have the freedom to drive up to 40 miles gas-free. |
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Chevy Cruze
Introducing the Cruze – Chevy’s all new entry into the compact segment. Cruze was developed by global design and engineering team with sophisticated styling cues that are fast becoming the signature for Chevrolet. Cruze boasts ample interior space, surprising cargo capacity and comfortable seating for five. With exacting safety standards and a quality build, Cruze delivers on Chevy’s promise to offer a smartly designed compact at an exceptional value. Production is scheduled to being in Spring 2010. |
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Chevy Spark
Coming to America in 2011, drivers will get a jolt from the new Chevy Spark. The Spark is Chevy’s upcoming entry to the Mini-Car segment. Although a mini, the four-seat Spark will come standard with four doors for easy entry. It’s fresh, clean approach to interior and exterior design, materials and colors is sure to ignite a passion for its looks alone. |
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Chevy Orlando
The Orlando is Chevy’s Multi-Purpose Vehicle concept and a signal the Chevy is expanding its portfolio into the important MPV segment. It combines the best attributes of an SUV, a family van and a station wagon into a single vehicle on a compact frame for greater efficiency. The Orlando MPV has five doors and seats up to seven comfortably with theater-style seating in three rows. The seats fold flat and easily transform into ample cargo capacity. The secret to this incredible interior space is the engineering: the long wheelbase and wide track create additional room inside. Chevy designers were just as meticulous with the outside appearance. The Orlando has a distinctive contrast between the hood and the windshield lines and flared fenders for a confident stance that cuts an attractive silhouette. |
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Hyundai Nuvis
The Nuvis is the eleventh signature concept car to be designed at the company’s California Design Center in Irvine, California. In addition to showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge capabilities, Nuvis also hints a new direction for a future generation crossover. |
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Hyundai Hellion
Rough and rugged and ready to take on any adventure – introducing the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept car. Organic ruggedness, designed with attitude and independence in mind. Three ultra-lightweight ribs create a safety cage, protecting occupants and adding visual rigidity and shape to the vehicle. Eco-friendly 3.0-liter V6 Common-rail Diesel engine (CRDi) and six-speed automatic Shift-by-Wire Transmission deliver 236 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft of torque. And 4WD, naturally. |
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Kia KND-5
The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia’s futuristic design and values. Striking LED headlamps, a seamless panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels contribute to its aggressive yet refined image. KND-5 exemplifies the new direction of luxury sedan design. |
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Kia KUE
Imparting a lean and athletic design with bold understated simplicity and fitted with a 400-horsepower supercharged V8 and all-wheel drive, the Kue speaks to a driver’s thirst for exhilaration and performance while providing a glimpse at future styling. |
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Kia KEE
An exciting 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines, Kee demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution of style. The sports coupe is single minded. “It’s about driving, pure and simple. It’s about appearance, performance, emotion,” enthuses Kee’s Designer, Peter Schreyer. |
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Kia SOUL'STER
With roadster roots and spacious versatility, the Soul’ster defies categorization. The distinctive design cues of this open-air concept project a hip industrial look. Dual chrome exhausts, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a prominent roll bar combine into an innovative perspective derived from the original Soul. |
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Dodge Rampage
A Novel Concept - Combining the width of a Dodge Ram with the overall length of a Dodge Dakota, the Rampage concept vehicle features a host of people and cargo-carrying innovations made possible by a combination of unitized body construction, front-wheel drive, and unique independent rear wheel suspension. And, as with any Dodge concept, the appearance is striking. |
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Dodge Hornet
Feel the Sting - Rallye-ready and eager to go, the Dodge Hornet concept vehicle is designed to bring the B-segment market a unique blending of European sensibility regarding engine size and overall footprint with an American flair for aggressive attitude and flexible interior space. |
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Dodge ZEO
Take Charge - If you’d like to see what the next generation of muscle cars will be like, look no further than the 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept. The four-passenger sport wagon was designed for driving enthusiasts and tree-huggers alike. It’s equipped with an all-electric, lithium-ion battery powerplant that can go up to 250 miles before needing to be recharged. And even though it doesn’t burn gas, it certainly can burn rubber, going from 0-60 miles per hour in under six seconds. |
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