Today’s most important news is, no doubt about that, the announcement of Chrysler and Fiat’s merger, a move which might have a lot of influence on the auto market. Chrysler, faced with serious financial problems, still managed to sell about 2 million vehicles last year (most of them in the United States), while Fiat, whose main markets were Europe and Latin America, sold around 2.5 million units. So the result of the merger will be one very important company.
Fiat, who will receive an initial 35 percent equity interest in Chrysler (with an option to raise it to 55 percent at a later date), won’t make a cash investment or funding in Chrysler instead it will share platforms with the Detroit carmaker, including city and compact segment vehicles, fuel efficient powertrain technologies and will also help Chrysler expand their market outside of the United States.
“A Chrysler/Fiat partnership is a great fit as it creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor, offering Chrysler a number of strategic benefits, including access to products that compliment our current portfolio; a distribution network outside North America; and cost savings in design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC.
Source: Chrysler
Friday
Chrysler and Fiat announce merger
BMW 320d Winter Concept by Miranda-Series
BMW 320d Winter Concept by Miranda-Series :
Though there’s not much left of this winter, German tuner Miranda-Series announced a very good looking winter sport package for the BMW 320d (the current generation, but the version before the facelift). By optimizing the ECU, the tuner managed to increase the 2.0 liter turbo diesel’s power output up to 199 hp. Handling was improved by equipping the car with Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension and Stop-Tech brakes. Other changes include new 19-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop winter tires and new Recaro seats. However, there’s one small setback. The package, though it looks good, it’s not that impressive, but instead is priced at €13,544 (almost $18,000), which is a lot.
Check out more photo after the jump.
Volvo pulls out of the Tokyo Motor Show
Last week Ford, along with GM and Chrysler, announced that it would skip this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and now, Volvo management has decided to follows it’s parent company and drop out of this year’s edition of the Japanese show. The reason behind the decision was the costs cut, the Swedish carmaker having better things to do with it’s money that to have a stand in Tokyo.
Fearing a lack of participants, JAMA (Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association) even considered, last week, to cancel this year’s edition of the Tokyo Motor Show. However, the decision was that “the show must go on”, especially with the association receiving support from the Japanese companies, who announced they’ll be at the show, scheduled to take place between October 23 and November 8
Source: Automotive News Europe
First Dodge Viper Special Hurst
First Dodge Viper special Hurst edition sold for $275,000
In order to celebrate their 50th anniversary, Hurst Performance Vehicles released a special 50 units limited edition of the Dodge Viper, and the first car was auctioned two days ago at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for $275,000. The anniversary Hurst/Viper features an unique gold paint finish with gloss black stripes and black chrome Hurst wheels. Also, the car is fitted with the new Hurst HARD-DRIVE gold anodized pistol-grip shifter, 19- and 20-inch Hurst polished aluminum wheels, Corsa exhaust and Moton Club Sport adjustable coil-over suspension with Eibach springs.
The interior was also customized with special Katzkin charcoal leather with Hurst embroided logos, gold thread detailing and perforated leather inserts. For the exterior there are two color combinations available: black with gold stripes and white with gold stripes (the gold with black stripes combination was specially created only for the first auctioned unit).
Check out more photos after the jump.
