Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s soon to be retired vice chairman, said today that Fiat-based Chrysler vehicles could be sold in the U.S. in as little as 18 months. Outgoing CEO Bob Nardelli said that the Chrysler and Fiat alliance will bring the Auburn Hills automaker a “much broader portfolio of products.”

“We’ve done a lot of pre-work in terms of homologations and emissions,” LaSorda said. “Eighteen months is practical. Three years is fundamentally wrong. We can do it faster.”

Chrysler’s President Jim Press said that the automaker will eliminate some current models that will overlap new vehicles. He did not say which vehicles will get the ax.

Chrysler has not yet said which Fiat products will make their way to U.S. dealerships or where they will be produced.

So far, what we do know is that Fiat is considering bringing the 500 minicar to the U.S. by next year. On Wednesday, the UAW said that a major reason for it to agree to new concessions was a commitment from Fiat to “produce a new small car in one of Chrysler’s U.S. facilities.” 

Can we please get the Alfa Romeo MiTo?

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

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  4. Chrysler bankruptcy documents reveal Fiat 500, Alfa Romeo MiTo coming to the U.S.
  5. Fiat 500 may come to Chrysler dealerships in under 18 months

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  • Dane
    It will work... Careful marketing and placement in today's 'pop' world...

    It will succeed... Look at what Chrysler has now... LOOK!!!! It is craptastic.... Even the JEEP Wrangler looks like a hummer... They need help and they need help now....

    Maybe the States should acquire better taste???

    FYI.... Forget the MiTo.... I want a Abarth Grande Punto!!!!!
  • Bobmarley
    I dont think Fiats will sell well in the US....most people are completely unfamiliar with the brand. They will have to spend mega bucks on advertising just to get sales rolling... having said that I would estimate they have about a 50% chance of serviving the first 2-3 years
  • Pat
    faster the better...me wants the alfa romeo mito
  • Turkle
    That also won't give Chrysler's dealer network enough time to place a Cappuccino kiosk in each dealership that will survive the bankruptcy!!!!
  • dirk
    18 months is too soon. There is no servicing network for Fiat vehicles let alone competent mechanics well-versed in any Fiat.
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