As we have previously reported, the proposed alliance between Chrysler and Fiat will see several of the latter company's products reaching US shores in the coming years. According to Automotive News, some of the first models under consideration for US consumption are the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo's upcoming 940 sedan.
Although it was previously believed that Fiat's return to the US market would wait until the company setup production at Chrysler plants in North America, the latest report seems to suggest that initial Fiat and Alfa Romeo models will be built in Europe and then shipped to the United States. If such a move were to take place it would mean Fiat products could be sold in the US as early as next year, a full 12-18 months faster then waiting for North American production. Unlike today's Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione which is sold through select Maserati dealerships, future Fiat and Alfa Romeo models would be sold at select Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealers.
The proposed alliance between the two carmakers will give Chrysler access to Fiat's platforms and 1.4- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines while Fiat gains access to Chrysler's production facilities, platforms, and dealer network. The report also goes on to state that Fiat is seriously considering Chrysler's LX platform, which is used on the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, as a possible basis for the Alfa Romeo 169.
