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...Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne wants to use the Italian carmaker's technology to sharpen the focus of the Chrysler brands, insiders say. For example, Fiat's technology could allow Chrysler to build a reputation for high performance - not something it's known for today. The new technology could also augment Chrysler's traditional strength in four-wheel-drive, sport utility and truck segments, which are under pressure from rising fuel prices...
...Group LLC postponed the annual press preview of new cars at its proving ground near Chelsea, Mich. - all part of the production stoppage while the company waited out bankruptcy proceedings. But even during that downtime, Chrysler's American engineers and designers were busily exchanging notes with their counterparts at Fiat, just as they have been doing for the past six months...
...Think Chrysler Lite. "Fiat already has the lowest C02-emitting engines in Europe," says a Chrysler official privy to the product discussions, who asked not to be identified. "Their strength is our opportunity," he gushes. Chrysler is eager to get new vehicles on the road adapting subcompact and compact car architecture, he adds. "We might not sell a minicar in the U.S., but we could sell it somewhere else." But there's a big potential U.S. play too: "We also have to worry about the new [fuel-economy] standards," he says...
...Perhaps most important, Fiat gives Chrysler access to up-to-date small engines, says Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Mich., which keeps tabs on technical developments in the automotive business. The technology package from Fiat might include an experimental two-cylinder engine of less than 1-liter displacement, which has more than enough horsepower to drive a small car, says Hall. The engine is about half the size of the smallest engines now sold...
...first memo to Chrysler employees, Marchionne talked about that record. "Five years ago, I stepped into a very similar situation at Fiat. It was perceived by many as a failing, lethargic automaker that produced low-quality cars and was stymied by endless bureaucracies," he wrote. Giving his version of the turnaround - hard work, tough choices, heavy investment and a culture "where everyone is expected to lead" - he promised that "we can and will accomplish the same results here." Even if Fiat doesn't become the next Apple, everyone from the President to the survivors on the Jeep shop...