Follow us on TwitterLancia, Chrysler to Share Vehicles
There has been quite a bit of brand reshuffling going on at the combined Fiat-Chrysler lately. They have gotten their own CEOs for each individual brand, along with “profit and loss” responsibility. That reshuffling has included making Lancia’s CEO Olivier Francois also the CEO of Chrysler.
That change is supposed to signal what Fiat intends to to do with the Chrysler brand. Lancia has met quite a bit of success lately, introducing products like the Delta and continuing despite a small lineup without much variety.
It currently consists of hatchback vehicles, with no sedans. Fiat intends Chrysler to help out with that, starting at the top of the lineup. The Lancia Thesis was the brand’s full-size sedan, but was recently discontinued without a replacement.
The car’s replacement is being developed on the Chrysler 300C’s rear-wheel drive platform, along with the new Alfa Romeo executive sedan. In addition, a mid-size sedan is rumored to share with the next-generation Sebring.
As for Chrysler, the Delta or other small Lancia could fit in the void that the brand currently has. The Delta would make the most sense, as it is a compelling product and the smaller end of the spectrum is already being covered in the U.S with the Fiat 500.
Tony sounds like a win/win scenario for both corporations, Lancia would benefit from Chryslers wide distribution network of dealerships, and Chrysler would certainly benefit from a cool looking import which has been devoid from previous year’s lineup.
You say Lancia.
I hear Group B Delta Integrale.
You say Chrysler and Lancia together.
I hear the final nail in the coffin of Lancia rally.
Not that I have anything against Chrysler, but it’s just one of those things. Over here in the States, Lancia = Group B Delta Integrale. At least, that’s what it means to me.
Granted, I know some wicked fast, borderline unruly Dodge Neon rally drivers, but things have sort of gone downhill since the first generation Neon. Many of the cars have become, cheap, plastic rental car fare, or lumbering shoeboxes for hemis (with equally cheap, plastic interiors).
I’m on the fence with this one. How about less Chrysler might share this platform with that manufacturer and more Fiat 500 Abarth SS actually showing up in North America?
I do think it would be great if Lancia revived the Delta Integrale. It is a very important part of their history, and I could see them doing it.
I’d agree with Austin though, this should be a win-win for both of the brands. Chrysler desperately needs competitive product, and the Delta definitely is that.