When Fiat purchased a portion of Chrysler I was unsure how I felt, after all, Chrysler’s last European tie-up did not leave the company better off. Sure, it did create some moderately desirable vehicles but ruined to company financially and never treated it like it was worth a dang. But so far, Fiat has proved to be far greater than Diamler. Nonetheless, there are certain things I wish Fiat would take notice of and learn from.

There are rumors that Fiat plans to bring several lines to America. It has already brought over the Fiat 500, opening dealerships for the single model. I think this was a major misstep. First off, I think it is foolish to bring brands to America once they have proven as failures. Second, the new car market is contracting; it cannot be financially profitable to open new distribution and establish a brand along with a model from what is essentially scratch. Americans are just coming around to appreciating what Chrysler Group has to offer, and Fiat had the opportunity to enhance the line up by peppering in some badge engineered European  models.

The Fiat 500 would have made a fantastic addition to the Chrysler line-up. It would have eliminated the need for a new dealer network, and it would have brought the hatch to America under a brand people are more likely to trust more than Fiat. Obviously the name would become a major concern considering the Fiat 500 is well respected globally and Chrysler has sedans named 200 and 300. The solution: chop off a zero and cut it in half. In America, the Fiat 500 ought to be known as the Chrysler Twenty Five. Along with that, the sporty Abarth 500 would become the SRT Twenty Five.

Fiat has said that they will be dropping the Dodge Caravan in favor of a large crossover and sticking with the Town & Country. If Chrysler wants to be taken serious as a luxury player, it would do the very opposite; drop the T&C in favor of a seven seat crossover, something to go toe-to-toe with the Enclave, and the upcoming Infiniti JX35. The market is looking for more full size, luxury crossovers. With Chrysler’s interiors finally up to snuff, and a winning engine with plenty of tranny options,  people will all together forget the disaster that was the Chrysler Pacifica. As to what it would be called, I am not sure what number fits into the new three digit nomenclature, perhaps 700 would be, seeing that Chrysler brought a new van concept called the 700C to a 2012 auto show.

The Chrysler Imperial concept needs to come to life as the Chrysler 500. It would be the flagship sedan that brand could stake its name on, and finally have a stable of cars lead by a flagship worthy of that fantastic new winged emblem. I think it also leaves room for the next generation of the 300 to become svelte.

Chrysler has the opportunity to create an XTS and MKS competitor called the 400. Large FWD sedans are becoming the domestic luxury signature, rather than shy away from it, I think Chrysler ought to embrace it. Such a sedan would find a home with America’s growing senior population, as well as with the livery market. Not to mention the fact that it would obviously share some architecture with the aforementioned seven seat large crossover. Perhaps they can adopt a raked, coupe styling much like the CC and the next generation Toyota Avalon. Add in the the 9 speed Fiat transmission, and it could be an all time best seller. The badge engineered Dodge model could also serve the rental and fleet markets, enough to justify it.

These are my opening suggestions for Chrysler. I will outline what my ideas for the other Chrysler Group lines in separate posts. Oh yeah, the next generation of cars should have the emblem on the hood not on the grill.

Bookmark and Share