Re: And NOW, the Big 3 are doing what Packard couldn't do...

Posted by Packard53 On 2009/4/4 19:17:11

Gerardo: First of all Iveco is just one of many divisions of Fiat SPA. However I was only talking about one division of Fiat SPA that being the automobile division not Fiat SPA commercial division and what they build.

The vehicle that you refer to that Fiat is coming out with in 2009 isn't a SUV. That vehicle is part of the current rage sweeping the auto industry today, which is called a crossover vehicle. Nothing more than another name for a station wagon equipped with all wheel drive. Which again is different from four wheel drive.

It seems that Fiat SPA is having a great deal of trouble with the off road technology that Iveco has in that they can't transfer that knowledge to the Fiat car division so that Fiat can build true four wheel vehicles and SUVs under the Fiat brand. This is were Fiat needs Chrysler's know how in building four wheel wheel drive vehicles and SUV"s for private purchase, that will sell and turn Fiat a profit. The is no doubt that Chrysler needs Fiat's help in a big way or it goes out of business. However I still maintain that in some
ways Fiat need Chrysler just as bad.

Now to clear up a statement I made last night. After WW II Fiat's home market share of autos sold in Italy at onetime was over 60 percent that market share decreased over the years until it reach a low 28 percent around 2005.

Talking about money problems it seems that Fiats might have some money problems for 2009 and 2010. According to Standard & Poors Fiat might have some problems on making payments on debt that is coming due in 2009 and 2010.

Sorry to say that I am no big fan of Fiat because of what I have seen in the past in the USA concerning Fiats lack of quality. There have been other companies from Europe that have come into this country and have tried owning and running American car companies and it has been a great failure both times.I really doubt that the third time will be the one that works. I certainly hope that I am wrong.

John F. Shireman