Archives




View Full Version : Fiat and Chrysler enter into a global strategic alliance called NewCo


xcel
05-02-2009, 10:50 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg While Chrysler is reaching for a lifeline, any lifeline, Fiat throws them a single strand of thread. And rightfully so! (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=205071)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Fiat_500s.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – May 1, 2009

Anyone in the market for a 35 mpgUS Micro, 2010 NewCo 500? I thought so :rolleyes:

The alliance ensures that Fiat would not make any cash investment in Chrysler or commit to funding Chrysler in the future.

Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler LLC announced yesterday that they have signed the agreements to establish a global strategic alliance. The Alliance comprises two elements: Fiat contributing to Chrysler rights in various platforms, technologies, and models, management services and cooperation and assistance in key areas of Chrysler’s business, such as procurement and international distribution, and Fiat’s acquisition of a shareholding in Chrysler.

1. Statement from the CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne

"This transaction represents a constructive and important solution to the problems that have plagued not just Chrysler in recent years, but the global automotive industry as a whole. Bringing together Fiat's world-class technology, platforms and power-trains for small and medium sized cars, and its extensive distribution network in Latin America and Europe, with Chrysler's rich heritage, strong North American presence and talented and dedicated workforce will create a powerful new automotive company, while helping preserve jobs and a manufacturing industry that is critically important to the U.S. and Canadian economies,” the CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne, said.

“Our goal since we first entered discussions with Chrysler nearly a year ago was to leverage the strengths of both companies to yield the scale, efficiencies and cost savings necessary to create two stronger automakers able to compete more effectively on a global scale. This transaction is an important step towards achieving this objective.

“Our work is just beginning, but together with our new partners at Chrysler we look forward to delivering on the vast potential this alliance holds and reintroducing to North American customers some of our most popular brands, including Alfa Romeo and the award-winning Cinquecento.

“We would not be here to announce this agreement were it not for the tireless dedication, focus and creativity of the US Automotive Task Force and their Canadian colleagues. As we worked our way through the myriad of obstacles and issues that arise in transactions such as these, they never lost faith in the project. Through this transaction, they have created the conditions for the reestablishment of Chrysler as a viable long-term participant in the automotive market.

“Organized labor unions on both sides of the border have also made significant contributions in accepting reductions in benefits and equity in satisfaction of some of their claims. I would like to thank the leadership of both the United Auto Workers and the Canadian Auto Workers unions for all they have done, and for constructively participating in our shared challenge of recreating a great Chrysler.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will be spending a great deal of time meeting with Chrysler employees and touring its facilities. While our agreement must necessarily go through the U.S. legal system for a few weeks, we will be preparing ourselves to reemerge quickly as a reliable and competitive automaker. I believe Chrysler can meet the challenges posed by today’s difficult market conditions by tapping back into its innovative spirit, by focusing on quality as a cornerstone of its product offering, and by listening to its customers and delivering the cars they want. It is a model we have strictly adhered to in the past few years at Fiat, and one I believe we can adapt here to write the next chapter in Chrysler's legacy.

“The transaction which we have just finalized represents an historic moment for both Fiat and Italian industry. It is a significant step toward building a new and solid foundation for the future.

“Today is also a day of great satisfaction for all women and men at Fiat. The fact that Fiat’s know-how has been appreciated at the most senior levels of the US and Canadian administration – to whom I express gratitude on behalf of our Group’s entire management team – is a source of significant motivation for the work ahead of us.

“We are certain that a stronger and more international Fiat will emerge from this alliance, with an even greater capacity to compete in markets worldwide,” the CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne, said.

2. The transaction

The transaction will be implemented through an expedited sale of substantially all the assets of Chrysler to a NewCo pursuant to certain provisions of the US Bankruptcy Code. After intense consultations with the US Treasury and all the other constituencies, including, the government of Canada, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), Chrysler elected such a route as the most effective to restructure its debt. As a consequence, Chrysler is requesting the bankruptcy court in New York to approve the sale of Chrysler’s business to a NewCo. Subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities, if the Court will approve the transaction it will require the parties to complete the transaction as soon as possible.

Pending this approval, the current Chrysler will continue its normal business operations and the US Treasury and the Canadian government will provide the company with financing in order to allow the performance of all its obligations towards the employees and to fund its on-going needs.

From the beginning of May, Chrysler will benefit of new wholesale financing arrangements entered into with GMAC which will also offer retail financing.

At closing of the transaction, NewCo will assume the corporate name of Chrysler and become the owner of substantially all the Chrysler’s business without certain debts and liabilities.

At closing NewCo will issue in favor of Fiat an equity interest equal to 20% (by vote and value) on a fully diluted basis and Fiat will enter into certain industrial agreements with Chrysler.

Similarly, at closing the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) will be issued an equity interest equal to approximately 55% on a fully diluted basis of Chrysler. Such equity interest will be administered by the U.S. Treasury. UST and the Canadian Government will collectively hold the remaining 10% equity interest (on a fully diluted basis).

The new Chrysler will also benefit from the recently agreed new collective bargaining agreements with UAW and CAW and of a facility of the U.S. Treasury of approximately US $ 6.5 bn.

The new Chrysler will be managed by a board of directors consisting of nine directors: three directors will be appointed by Fiat. One of Fiat’s appointees must satisfy the criteria for independence under the New York Stock Exchange listing rules. VEBA and the Government of Canada will have the right to appoint one Director respectively. U.S. Treasury will have the right to make the initial appointment of four directors (three of whom must be independent).

Fiat will have right to receive up to an additional 15% equity interest (by vote and value) on a fully diluted basis. This stake can be obtained in three tranches of 5%, each subject to the achievement of predetermined targets, in particular, achievement of regulatory approvals to produce the FIRE family of engines in the USA; achievement of sales of Chrysler vehicles outside NAFTA, and achievement of regulatory approval to produce a Chrysler model based on Fiat technology. Upon obtainment of such additional 15% interest, Fiat will also have the right to appoint another director of Chrysler.

In addition, Fiat will be granted an option to acquire an additional 16% shareholding (exercisable from Jan 1, 2013 until June 30, 2016). The price of such incremental equity will be determined in accordance to certain market standards, but in any event will not exceed the then Fiat market multiple. This option will not be exercisable while the US Treasury outstanding loan exceeds US$3 billion.

Fiat’s shareholding will be capped at 49% until Chrysler has repaid in full the loan granted by the U.S. Treasury.

3. Fiat’s contribution

Fiat will contribute key technology and other resources to Chrysler.

In summary, Fiat contributions will consist of the following: licenses enabling Chrysler to use all Fiat Group Automobiles car platforms (and subject to any restrictive agreement between Fiat and any third party) for the production of Chrysler vehicles in NAFTA; licenses enabling Chrysler to use certain of Fiat’s other key technology, such as engine technology; the on-going provision of management services in order to enable Chrysler to benefit from Fiat’s expertise in operational and industrial recovery; participation in Fiat’s purchasing and procurement programs; distribution of Chrysler vehicles outside NAFTA, in particular by giving Chrysler access to Fiat’s distribution network in countries in which Chrysler currently has a limited presence.

The alliance, a key element of Chrysler’s Integration Plan, would strengthen Chrysler viability for the long term with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites.

The alliance would also allow Fiat Group and Chrysler to take advantage of each other's distribution networks and to optimize fully their respective manufacturing footprint and global supplier base.

deezle
05-02-2009, 11:36 AM
Anyone in the market for a 35 mpgUS Micro, 2010 NewCo 500? I thought so :rolleyes:
[b]


I guess this makes me first in line. I'll take a red diesel please. And a slice of Hawiian on the side.

psyshack
05-02-2009, 11:40 AM
I will take a Abarth SS please!

Thank You

xcel
05-02-2009, 11:46 AM
HI Deezle:

___Sorry, no diesel... But if you want a hemi :D :D :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

jsmithy
05-02-2009, 11:49 AM
Neil Cavuto said this morning that Fiat cars are matchboxes and they would never work here.

We need $5-$10 / gallon gas to convince otherwise.

deezle
05-02-2009, 12:03 PM
I'd guess that if the average North American spent 15 minutes in a Fiat 500, especially on a winding road, you'd need to drag them out of it kicking and screaming (and not because they'd totaled it).

psyshack
05-02-2009, 12:15 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpAFi9nIJVQ

Fiat 500 on Top Gear.

MaxxMPG
05-02-2009, 12:35 PM
Neil Cavuto said this morning that Fiat cars are matchboxes and they would never work here.

We need $5-$10 / gallon gas to convince otherwise.

The fellow matchboxes - Smart and Mini - seem to be selling ok. And there seems to be quite a bit of interest in the Scion iQ as well. The 500 won't be a hit that'd sell like a Corolla/Civic, but it would sell to the current demographic that is now buying or considering the matchbox cars. Until gas gets back to the $4 range, that market will tend to saturate after a while, but those days of the $100 fillup are coming back for sure. And when they do, the 500 will sell as long as they don't set the price so high that the Accent/Rio, Versa, Fit, xB/xD, Yaris and other entry-price cars don't steal sales.

Last week, Glenn Beck said, "Have any of you ever ridden in a Fiat? It's a piece of crap!" You could hear those off camera laughing, probably shocked that he said this on air. I suspect that Mr. Beck, like Neil Cavuto, are applying their own auto preferences in their analysis. A Fiat might be crude compared to their limousines, but if it comes to market in a configuration that is in line with others in its intended market, it has a fair shot at selling.

My only concern for Fiat is that any initial success of the 500 will likely be blunted by the Asian response, which history tells us will be swift and formidable. For those on a tight budget, the Yaris or stripped Fit or even an Accent/Rio all offer good FE and a low monthly payment. But they are usually classed by the press and general public as "transportation appliances" that don't have any "personality". The retro-styled 500 has lots of personality and will hopefully serve well as an appliance. If the sales of the 500 take off, though, the Japanese and Koreans are all but sure to respond with variations of their products, styled with personality, tweaked in the handling department, and based on proven platforms. Toyota did exactly that with Scion, taking the sluggish-selling Echo and giving it a new shape and selling it as the Scion xA and xB. Both sold far beyond what the Echo could hope for.

The public is so fickle that there's no way to tell at this time whether the 500 will fly or crash-n-burn. High sticker prices will mean poor value, and if FiaRysler decides the 500 is the next Mini and it slaps a Mini-sized number on their 500, I think the cars are doomed to sit on lots and collect spider webs. If they are aggressive on value and attach a great warranty (to lessen the stubborn Fix It Again Tony image), they have a shot at success. The only question I keep pondering is how the 500 will/would fare against the Scion iQ (backed by Toyota's reputation), the Ford Fiesta (which could end up being more car for less money and same FE) and the Chevy Spark (which, if GM survives, will be another low-cost minicar that could seriously undercut the 500 in price).

This would all make a great soap opera (with the Pixar "Cars"), wouldn't it?

deezle
05-02-2009, 04:29 PM
HI Deezle: Sorry, no diesel... But if you want a hemi :D :D :D

Actually, now that you mention it, Wayne, I might possibly need to pull a boat or something about once every five years, so I guess I should order mine with the Chrysler hemi. ;)

I suspect that anybody who's badmouthing Fiats either has their own agenda to push, or else hasn't driven one for 20 years.
Here's a list from Wikipedia of some of the awards that the 500 has received:

Awards:
What Car? readers' affections 2007[32]
CAR Magazine: Car of the Year 2007[33]
EuroCarBody 2007 award[34]
European Car of the Year for 2008[35]
The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile (City Car and Small Car category)[36]
AUTO EUROPA 2008[37]
Fifth Gear: Best Small Car 2007
Top Gear: Best 'City Car' 2007[38]
Auto 1 Europa 2008 - (Auto Bild) [39]
2008 ‘What Car?’ Green Car of the Year Award
Auto Express: "Best City Car" 2008 [40]
evecars.com Best Supermini/City Car Award 2008[41]
evecars.com readers Sexiest Car of 2008[42]
Best Compact Car Consumers' Choice Award-Car of the Year in Japan[31]
2009 World Car Design of the Year[43]

xcel
05-02-2009, 04:46 PM
Hi Deezle:

___The Fiat 500 and Ford Ka are built off the same platform and IIRC, it was either the Times or the Telegraph (maybe it was Top Gears Clarkson) ripped it a new one. It simply is not a Fiesta or Focus in size, utility, performance, FE and its price is right up against those two as well. There lyes a possible issue for all of us here in the states.

___Fortunately, Fiat's QC has improved mightily since its days in the US the last time and I suspect it would be a great little and reliable car.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

ILAveo
05-02-2009, 05:46 PM
I think they are also looking at the Panda. Its similar to the Fit/Yaris.

The 4x4 version would fit in as a Jeep -- it reminds me of the Subaru Justy.

Fiat Panda 4X4 on 5th Gear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAg4DdXAp7Y&NR=1

Blackbelt
05-03-2009, 08:38 AM
As Maxx said, if the 500 comes in at the right price, it will sell. That's the key.
I would buy one, plus that Panda 4x4.

Indigo
05-03-2009, 09:15 AM
A FIAT will run for 15 minutes straight without requiring an expensive repair? Who knew?


I'd guess that if the average North American spent 15 minutes in a Fiat 500, especially on a winding road, you'd need to drag them out of it kicking and screaming (and not because they'd totaled it).

lightfoot
05-03-2009, 09:45 AM
A FIAT will run for 15 minutes straight without requiring an expensive repair? Who knew?
Apparently not you?? Lots of Fiats are buzzing around Europe quite happily. I've driven some of them and they're quite impressive. One frequently sees original Fiat 500's, last made in 1975, still in good shape and being driven. Probably more reliable than some US-made cars of that era. And it appears that Fiat standards of finish and reliability have risen with the general improvement in auto quality in the past few decades.

xcel
05-03-2009, 10:00 AM
Hi John:

___Indeed. In fact, Fiat is fast becoming one of the success stories of the European Auto industry due to rising QC and cars with passion embedded into their DNA.

___Whether the US will accept the Micro 500 is a question yet to be answered however. The Smart is not doing all that well and was brought over to remove the chance of a gas guzzler tax on the larger MB's. The 500 is even tighter albeit larger on the exterior and more seats but it is still a micro.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

psyshack
05-03-2009, 01:13 PM
A FIAT will run for 15 minutes straight without requiring an expensive repair? Who knew?

My father and other family members and friends owned Fiat's in the 60's and 70's. Father raced his 1967 850 Coupe and the 1969 124 Coupe all most every weekend there was a SCCA event he could enter. Be it a hill climb, auto-x or a rally, even some full blown track days with times. Never had any problems with the cars. He would even take the 124 to stock car tracks and run it when the track owners would let fans run there cars in 5 lap heats with three cars in each heat. He never lost a race doing that in the 124.

My brother has a X1/9 he race's during the auto-x season and is also his daily driver in the spring summer and early fall. That car will corner so hard he can make me car sick in it. And I've never been car sick in any other car. Be me driving it some ones else.

I wish I could fit in a X1/9 I would have it all Abarth out!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/617/fiat_010.jpg

Brothers Fiat. He has all the trim back on it after the paint job. He has another head for it and block that I think he is going to bore out. Put Abarth rods and other goodies into. :)

Chuck
05-03-2009, 08:00 PM
Anyone hear that Fiat is in talks to buy GM Europe? (Vauxhall, Saab, Opel)

I'd think Chrysler is challenge enough

Blackbelt
05-04-2009, 09:25 AM
. The Smart is not doing all that well

___Good Luck

___Wayne

How so Wayne? The YTD sales of smart through April 2009 number 6282 Vs 6159 Last year through April. Not a ton of cars, but they seem to be selling OK.

xcel
05-04-2009, 09:51 AM
Hi Blackbelt:

___I had access to the SMART Fortwo sales figures before posting this but had not yet completed building the monthly sales write-up... The monthly comparisons are what I have to look at first and foremost and volumes second. Since the Smart was not for sale until the end of January of 2008, the YTD numbers are still a bit fuzzy.

April 09 Hybrid and fuel efficient non-hybrid sales – Hybrids smashed (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=205416)

___SMART sales during April saw just 1,345 units sold which was an all-time low for the Fortwo here in the US. On a percentage basis, the Fortwo was off 49.9% from April of 2008. This does not bode well for future success given little new is in their pipeline over the near term.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Blackbelt
05-04-2009, 10:17 AM
Hi Blackbelt:

___I had access to the SMART Fortwo sales figures before posting this but had not yet completed building the monthly sales write-up... The monthly comparisons are what I have to look at first and foremost and volumes second. Since the Smart was not for sale until the end of January of 2008, the YTD numbers are still a bit fuzzy.

April 09 Hybrid and fuel efficient non-hybrid sales – Hybrids smashed (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=205416)

___SMART sales during April saw just 1,345 units sold which was an all-time low for the Fortwo here in the US. On a percentage basis, the Fortwo was off 49.9% from April of 2008. This does not bode well for future success given little new is in their pipeline over the near term.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Ahhhh, i see, a big dip in the April sales. I wonder if the overall softness in the automotive business is catching up with smart finally. I certainly hope this is a short term stumble, because we need cars like the smart to begin the long process of changing attitudes about small cars. The more highly visible mini and micro cars are on the streets, the more they will become accepted by the "mainstream" car owner.
Of course, i kind of like the idea of having a "rare" car also....:D:D



Copyright 2006 Clean MPG, LLC. All Rights Reserved.