Fiat Exec Would Gut Chrysler to Save It

Revamped automaker will reintroduce Alfa Romeo to US

(NEWSER) - Now four months out of bankruptcy, Chrysler is set to unveil a new business plan that relies heavily on models from Fiat, its Italian partner, and abandons many American cars. The company will reintroduce the luxury Alfa Romeo to the US and also bring in a Mexican-built Fiat 500, the tiny vehicle ubiquitous in Europe. Several Dodge and Jeep models will be discontinued. More»

Administration triumphs as bankruptcy effectively ends

(NEWSER) - Chrysler finalized its sale of assets to Fiat with a government wire transfer this morning that gave Chrysler $6.6 billion in funds to exit bankruptcy, the New York Times reports. The sale is good news for the Obama administration, which sought an “efficient” restructuring for Chrysler. It may also provide a glimpse into the future of General Motors, also navigating bankruptcy. More»

(NEWSER) - Chrysler is rushing into the arms of Fiat now, but it may be sorry later, writes Dan Neil for the Los Angeles Times. Fiat "pays next to nothing and now has instant access to US markets," which it’s been lusting after. "But in this new Italian romance, the relationship is distinctly one-sided," Neil cautions. More»

(NEWSER) - The last time Fiat tried to make a go of it in the US market, its unreliable cars earned it the nickname Fix It Again Tony, reports the New York Times. That was 25 years and another world ago. After a renewed focus on quality under CEO Sergio Marchionne, the Italian automaker is now hoping to rescue bankrupt Chrysler—it will have a 20% stake and three seats on the new company's board—through its new and improved technology. More»

Announcement coming tomorrow at Michigan plant

(NEWSER) - Chrysler will announce with some fanfare tomorrow the repayment of $7.5 billion in bailout loans from the US and Canadian governments. CEO Sergio Machionne will announce the milestone tomorrow alongside White House manufacturing adviser Ron Bloom at Chrysler’s Sterling Heights, Michigan, plant, the Wall Street Journal reports. Chrysler is repaying the government loans, which carry double-digit interest rates, with cheaper loans and bonds from private banks. The US and Canada will, however, remain minority shareholders in the company. More»