My grandfather accomplished this purpose by delivering a sharp rap to the side of the offending party's head with the admonition, "Don't touch the door while the car is moving."

I suppose that this would be unacceptable in today's politically correct atmosphere although it does occur to me that just letting them suffer the consequences would be useful in that it would probably discourage the practise in future - or improve the gene pool in the more drastic instance.

Damage to the car would be unacceptable however so, in your usage parameters, I'd probably go with the electric safety locks.

And some Renaults, Rovers, Hondas, Citroens etc etc. Point being there is probably not a manufactured product in the world with at least one version or model that should be thought of as a work in progress and forgotten. Designed for a reason, shortcut taken, didn't work out so lesson learned and corrections hopefully applied to the next offering.

Of course, if you happen to be one of the unfortunate buyers of that particular item, your perspective may be a bit slanted -- but then you might also be one of the fortunate whose gas tank didn't explode or timing belt didn't self destruct or fender rust off--at which case, it might have been a great car in your experience.

^ Certainly, just as many other small car buyers remember those "less than steller examples of the automakers craft" like: the Pinto, the Chevette, the Vega, the Cavalier...

Geraldo, Please don't take offence. The hamster comment was simply meant as a joke. I have a friend who owns and drives a tiny 1960's Fiat Cinquecentro with the 500c.c. engine and I often kid him about the hamster on a treadmill under the hood. I also have a friend with a beautiful 1973 Ferrai Dino which I understand was build also by Fiat at Modena so I am aware that they also have and still do make some seriously powerful autombiles. I travel to Europe every few years and know that Fiats are well regarded but in Canada where they have not been sold for many years we still think of the Fiat 123's and the Russian spinoff Ladas which were basically Fiat 123's and which were less than stella examples of the automakers craft.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the perfect car would have a French body, an Italian engine, German dependability, and a British interior. Put the Packard crest on it and it'll be even better, lol!

Robert, I have a "Selling Fundamentals" ringbinder from 1948 that is a part of the Packard Master Salesmanship Program series. 90% of the book is dedicated to the art of salesmanship. The techniques would work for selling refrigerators, life insurance, or houses. I could send you the sections that were specific to the '48 Packard if it would be helpful. Let me know.

Many of us have our Fiat frame of reference based on the Fiat cars built in the 1950's and 1960's. I can remember in the mid 1960's when the owner of a used car lot in my home town swallowed hard and made the $3000 investment to buy a sign, the only requirement at that time to get a Datsun dealership. The Fiat sold in Europe today is not the Fiat of the 1960's just like the Datsun 1600 bears no resemblance to its successor of today. I think the big winners in this deal will be Chrysler's USA dealership network who will have more products to sell. Here's hoping for success for both Chrysler and Fiat and maybe a 15 million car USA market again in the next 5 years. "A rising tide floats all boats".

"As I have stated previously I would not have bought the 300c if FIAT had any involvement in producing it."

Well gee... looks like you bought it just in time!:

"Amid the 2008 automobile crisis, Chrysler announced in December 2008 that they were almost out of cash, and might not survive past 2009. After the defeat of the auto bailout in the Senate, Chrysler stated that they would most likely file for bankruptcy and shut down all operations permanently. On December 17, 2008, Chrysler announced that it would close all of its North American plants on December 19 for at least a month or longer. That same day, President Bush announced a $13.4 billion rescue loan for the American automakers, including Chrysler."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler

Hi all,

I must say that my brand new Chrysler 300c is an excellent car. The first new car I have bought in years. It has been slated here in Europe as having poor build quality and comparing badly to the S-Class merc.

As someone who understands the difference between US and European cars, I can say that there is no comparison between them. Chrysler are not trying to build S-Class mercs. I drive an S-Class and my 300c regularly and I really prefer the clean uncluttered lines and interior of the 300c.

As I have stated previously I would not have bought the 300c if FIAT had any involvement in producing it.

There is a good reason why FIAT have a poor reputation and very poor second-hand value. Not everyone can afford FIAT developed supercars - into which all the proper designing and engineering go.

And everyone is entitled to my opinion!

Pat.

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Reality check:

Fiat is not owned by the Italian government. It has also not asked for government bailout money from the government as Chrysler has (at least for now... 2009 will be difficult for everyone).

Fiat has had big sales gains in Europe and the world in the last few years due to great designs ( Fiat 500 and the Panda) and improvements in quality. The company is healthy, well run, innovative and much admired in the automobile business. Europe is a difficult market with demanding consumers, yet Fiat is gaining market share. Meanwhile Consumer Reports rates Chrysler quality as the worst in the US and sales are in the toilet.

Note too: Fiat makes Ferrari and Maserati ...among the most desirable sport/luxury car brands in the world. These brands have limited production, but are huge money makers.

I think it's pretty hilarious that a poster above writes: "If they merge with Fiat the turbine will be run with a hamster."... meanwhile Fiat produces Ferrari and Maserati's magnificent V12s... engines that Chrysler would not begin to know how to engineer. LOL.

No wonder (and rather ironically) Chrysler, a company once involved in NASA's space program, is turning to Fiat for technology.

Fiat is mostly interested in Chrysler for the Jeep brand... Dodge will stick around but the once great name "Chrysler" means little today. Fiat also wants to launch Alfa Romeo in the US and introduce a big sedan on the lines of BMW and Audi.

It is interesting that Chrysler is basically giving 35% to Fiat ...indicative of the bad shape Chrysler is in.

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Must be some hamster in there...

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