Latest Car Rumor: Saab may be purchased by Alfa Romeo / Fiat

March 24, 9:37 PMPhiladelphia Autos ExaminerTodd Agostini

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With the inevitable sale of Swedish car company Saab from GM, there seems to be a new player, Fiat S.p.A. In February I spoke of the possible Fiat / Chrysler merger. It seems that there is a backup plan being made by both companies.

According to an inside source who did not want to be named it is possible that Chrysler won’t be permitted to join forces with Fiat. The U.S. Government could have other plans for Chrysler including a merger with GM. There may be a forced merger with two of the beloved Big 3.

Chrysler really has no upcoming products designed or in the works so it doesn’t look like they will be making anything for themselves anyway. There is a plan for American construction of Italian engineered cars from Fiat & Alfa Romeo but this backup plan seems realistic.

In this plan GM and Chrysler would merge. GM would have overall control, their assets would be pooled, and a stronger company formed. This would leave Fiat without a home.

Fiat would be basically “given” Saab so that they would have an existing dealer network and some importing infrastructure to use to get into the United States. Fiat S.p.A. wants a piece of the U.S. market and they are getting here no matter what it takes.

Overall this merger seems to make sense from all angles. We just don’t need GM and Chrysler both making full lineups of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Also it seems more logical for Fiat and Alfa to sell their cars using current Saab dealers. I couldn’t imagine a progressive individual looking to buy an Italian Euro-hatch having a modern experience at a Dodge dealer. I also don’t see Fiat and Alfa needing to have a dealer at all of these Chrysler locations.

Either way it works out I am excited to see Fiats and Alfas coming to the United States again. It also looks like this industry will continue to have big things in store for all of us to watch happen over the next few years.

For more info: Todd welcomes all correspondence at drivenbytodd@yahoo.com