Fiat's 2010-14 Product Plans for small cars
Here are the details of the Fiat Product slides I posted April 21, taken from the official transcripts and condensed from the 6 hour presentation.
There are still questions on what other vehicles will come to the US but the main one is about the 500 5-door/Giardiniera.
It seems the long wheelbased Giardiniera project is canceled, replaced with a small MPV with similar features to the 500.
This MPV will be built in two variations, a 5-seat version and a 7-seat version. This will replace the outgoing Idea and Multipla minivans, respectively.
The 5-seat model is reported by some as the 5 door Fiat 500. Production will be in Italy and is scheduled for 2012 and will be sold in the US.
Fiat Palio will be replaced with new entry level B segment sedan coming to the US
Another car coming to the US is listed as an entry level B model. This model will be produced in Serbia at the old Zastava car plant. It replaces the Fiat Palio, which was 2004 Car of the Year in Brazil.
Fiat, in a joint venture with the Serbian government, will invest almost $1 billion in upgrading the Kragujevac plant to world class status.
This sedan is scheduled for production in 2012 with US introduction to follow.
There is also a C segment sedan that will be sold in the US. Not much is known about this car but it will be based off of the C-EVO chassis and rumors are that it will be developed with Chrysler.
Admittedly, these are broad outlines without a lot of details, but that is Marchionne's style. He holds his cards close to him and doesn't want to give the competition anymore info than he has to. Also talking about future models hurts sales of current models;)
Below is an excerpt of Sergio Marchionne's presentation on Fiat's plans for the next five years:
During this 5-year period, the launch of 10 new models and 6 refreshes are planned.
Fiat Topolino coming in 2013
Presence in the mini and small segments will be strengthened by the addition of a new model in each of those segments: a new city car (new Topolino) to be presented in 2013 and an entry level B-segment model to arrive in 2012 for which export to the NAFTA region is also planned.
Artist rendition of the new 2011 Fiat Panda. You might want to turn down the music:)
Next year will see the commercial launch of the future Panda, a model pivotal to maintaining leadership in the mini segment in Europe. Refresh of this model is planned for 2014.
Both the original and convertible versions of the Cinquecento will also undergo a refresh during 2012.
The Punto Evo, launched in September last year, will be replaced by a completely new version in 2013.
In the Compact MPV segment, two new arrivals are planned for 2012, a 5-seater and a 7-seater. The latter model, in particular, will also be distributed in the NAFTA region.
Fiat's 2010-14 Product Plans for large cars
The brand's presence in the Compact segment will be bolstered by the arrival of two new products, a sedan and another model that will be presented to the market in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The sedan will also be distributed in the NAFTA region.
Fiat Croma being discontinued this year
This year we will phase out production of the Croma, Multipla and Ulysse, leaving the way open for other Group brands to compete in the Large sedan and MPV segments.
Fiat will offer a Crossover based on the Dodge Journey in 2011
For SUVs, the Sedici will continue to be in the product line-up for the next two years, but in 2011 a larger SUV - one of the first results of the integration with Chrysler - will be added to the Fiat brand portfolio. I�m talking about a new Crossover, based on the Dodge Journey platform and produced by the Americans.
Rounding out the Fiat product range will be passenger vehicles based on LCV platforms such as the new Dobl�, released at the beginning of January, and the Qubo, that will be refreshed in 2012.
'In the NAFTA region, we plan to sell 105,000 vehicles by 2014. Of these, 20,000 will be Fiat brand vehicles and 85,000 Alfa Romeo.
The FGA sales targets for the USA, Canada and Mexico don�t take into account the Cinquecento�s also produced and sold by Chrysler in Latin America that will account for about 100,000 units.'
More excerpts from Fiat's Five Year Plan...
Another vital element of the plan is the full integration between FGA and Chrysler in terms of product portfolio, new product development and the allocation of production.
This process is already well under way and will be further developed over the plan period in relation to engineering and manufacturing so that significant synergies can be generated and an optimized level of integration between the product offerings of the two groups achieved.
Designs for the product portfolio include Jeep being positioned as a global brand.
The Chrysler and Lancia ranges will be fully integrated in Europe - with the exception of the UK where Lancia is not present and Chrysler will continue to operate.
The Dodge Challenger will be sold in Europe
Dodge will retain a purely American style and identity and will continue to operate as a full-liner brand in the NAFTA region. Outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe and Brazil.
As for the development of new models, a full integration between the two organizations will begin, with a clear division of responsibilities, and reallocation of specific activities to achieve cost efficiencies.
Compact-segment and larger models will be predominantly developed and produced in the NAFTA region.
The allocation of production between FGA and Chrysler will be based on rationalization and efficiency so that maximum capacity utilization is achieved for both organizations and the need to establish new plants avoided.
This optimization of the industrial footprint will enable us to eliminate the current operating inefficiencies that are correlated to the current low capacity utilization.
The current production mix for FGA plants in Europe will be improved with the addition of around 400,000 D-segment or larger vehicles by the end of 2014.
Finally, the central pillars of the plan include a strong and unequivocal commitment to the development of Alfa Romeo.
We believe in the Alfa name and market position and are determined to transform it into a full-liner premium brand.
Maserati Gran Turismo
Plans include Alfa's return to the NAFTA region, where the product range will be complemented at the upper end by Maserati, that as you know already operates in those markets but will expand its presence to also include the luxury E segment.
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In our next post we'll look at the plans for Alfa Romeo.
With thanks to Fiat Group Auto, Chrysler Media and Maserati Press
Thanks to Mickred's YouTube channel
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