What do you think about the FIAT-Chrysler future?

What do you think about the FIAT-Chrysler future?

In Italy we are worried about potential redundancies. What do you think, what american people think about it? Do you trust this plan to save Chrysler? Do you think Chrysler brand quality should decrease?

Asked by: Altea72 @ 2009-05-05 13:48:49

Answers ::
Here is the problem:

"US auto union 'optimistic' about Fiat-Chrysler"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gixyYTtqE8d6vsTCWgyrI92_qGKg

If the UAW is excited, that means it is a bad business deal.

The high union wages is part of the problem, so is the management, design, perception of quality.

"Auto Bailout Ignores Excessive Labor Costs" (11-19-2008)
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/wm2135.cfm

"UAW Workers Actually Cost the Big Three Automakers $70 an Hour" (12-08-2008)
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/wm2162.cfm

I would have pushed to break all the union and other cost burdening contracts and become non-union and run pay on par with other auto companies such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes, and BMW, all who have non-union plants in the USA, and go figure, are not bankrupt or asking for a bailout.

"Honda associates historically have not sought to organize... and Honda’s American plants are not unionized....Clearly, the Japanese-owned auto plants ... do not want to be dealing with the unions...”
http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=64&articleID=27829

"In Alabama, nonunion auto manufacturers are doing better than those located in heavily unionized states"
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/editorials.ssf?/base/opinion/1223108145288410.xml&coll=2

This is nothing more the than US Gov wanting to get in the auto business and pay back the UAW for their campaign support of the USA Nov 2008 election.

"Auto Bailout and UAW PAC Contributions"
http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2008/12/16/auto-bailout-and-uaw-pac-contributions/

"Senators Supporting Auto Bailout Had Union Money on Their Side"
http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/12/senators-supporting-auto-bailo.html#

"Obama Reverses Bush Executive Orders..."
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/01/30/obama-reverses-bush-executive-orders-creates-middle-class-task-force/

I have been critical of the auto industry since 2008, and posted such on Y!A, and citing that the US gov auto bailouts would not solve the auto industry's problems, nor save them from bankruptcy. I cited that GM and Chrysler were at greater BK risk.

Fiat is also looking at buying part of GM EU. I think they are taking too much on if they think they can take on GM and Chrysler.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-05-03-fiat-gmeuro_N.htm

Do you trust this plan to save Chrysler?
I don't think it is a matter of trust, as it is government intervention forcing their hand to ignore the laws of the bankruptcy court, and ignoring the legal rights of bondholders.

Do you think Chrysler brand quality should decrease?
I can't imagine getting worse, since they are already bankrupt.

More recent post history (autos):

GM's bailout or buyout?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Apoc6PTNiharh2FkHh2rYOHty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090330163309AAFv8Xx&show=7#profile-info-rWat0x0eaa

Will GM be a good buy in bankruptcy?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090423145424AA1Tvqp&r=w#BaN_M2D0AnhGUqjJm65y

Will GM be able to survive on its own?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiZYHNhPcyag7IGViGEU5hHty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090330193626AALYyQr&show=7#profile-info-0a25e935dca2338aaf6c6f9a70f0726baa

Auto Stocks Are Going to Crumble in 1 Hour?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjDXIZK_pGl1UTKoDK1MVmjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090330060622AAcDtbD&show=7#profile-info-81ec3cd33a3b59d7659cb84f6f205332aa

Net Advisor

Wow Net is on top of it. I just hope Chrysler dosent start selling Hemi Opels
And I wonder if the UAW will ever pull their heads out of their butts and relize they are the problem

rick b

I like my Chrysler Sebring Convertible, but it doesn't look like I'll get another in the future now.

itsjunglepat

Personally, I think the FIAT-Chrysler alliance is a good thing. It gives Chrysler small car platforms from FIAT that will increase the mileage rating of the fleet, as well as brings back several FIAT and Alfa Romeo models for sale in the US.

As for the UAW, now that Chrysler is in bankruptcy court, the court could (hopefully) negate all UAW contracts as far as wages go. Even though the UAW will own 55%, the court can make the employees take much lower wages, cancel retiree healthcare/pensions, etc. to make Chrysler a more viable and profitable company.

Overall, I think we are going to see a much better Chrysler emerge from this alliance and bankruptcy.

Daniel M

The FIAT-Chrysler deal all depends on how the American public responds to the cars and trucks that emerge after re-organization and how soon the economy rebounds. Right now, almost all automakers, foreign and domestic are losing money, including Toyota (Honda is still making money due to strong motorcycle sales). The quality will hopefully increase as much of the quality now has to do with design and engineering instead of assembly (Chrysler convertibles have design problems not assembly problems). As far as the UAW, they already have agreed to pay and benefits cuts that match the competitor's costs but engineers must still design cars people want, and dealers must sell them at a fair mark up and treat customers better. Its funny how so many people blame the UAW for design failures, bad customer service at dealers, and poor management decisions. Its nothing they have control over. Toyota has a UAW plant poduction some of its cars with no problems, and Ford seems to do just fine working with the UAW.

C-Tech

It seems like there are very few people in this country who know how to run a business properly. The last great CEO of Chrysler was Lee Iacocca, who ironically, was the son of Italian immigrants. If the deal with Fiat goes through, it wouldn't be the first time the company's been run by Italian brain power, and it's probably a good thing, considering the success of products like the Piaggio Vespa, and Ferraris that have managed to do very well, despite strong competition from Honda, Yamaha, or the Ford GT.

However, I think Chrysler is already on the right track. In the last year, they hired Jim Press, who is credited with much of Toyots's success. They also got rid of Trevor Creed, a mechanical engineer who was in charge of design. Chrysler makes great products, but they've had some bad leadership.

Ryan M

I think that what will eventually happen with Chysler may be the biggest "Brother, you asked for it" in history. Chrysler (and the rest of the Big Three) have been effectively bankrupted by its contracts negotiated with the UAW. The massive obligations Chrysler owed have been paid off by handing over the keys to the company. Now the UAW at large is interested in Chrysler being profitable, a goal that is directly opposed to the Chrysler workers' desire to have high paying jobs. The UAW will now be effectively negotiating with itself and will be telling the Chrysler workers how much it will allow them to make. Nothing good ever comes from government intervention in the economy and this is certain to be a great example of how bad things can go.

I think Chrysler's brand quality, something that already suffered with the mess with Mercedes-Benz, will get even worse. I think that Chrysler will continue to need infusions of government cash from both the US and Italian governments.

I can't wait to watch, because something similar is coming with GM and it will happen before the laws of unintended consequence can play out on this to show them what they should have done differently.

matthewspeed

In the 80s Chrysler co-developed small cars with Mitsubishi. At the time, the cars where badged in the Plymouth brand as a fuel efficient Colt. Mitsubishi integrated small car engines and car chassis throughout the Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth line of cars. Chrysler and the Mitsubishi brands where successful and acceptable to the buying public. Of course, this was in the early to mid 80s, nearly 20 years ago.
Fiat, flunked its debut as a stand alone car company on U.S. soil, about 30 years ago. The last time Americans saw Fiat's on the road was on the side of the road, or rusting while on the road. They were sporty, snorty and attitudinal cars. Sometimes they looked great, sometimes they ran great and sometimes they didn't run at all. Add Fiat's past to Chrysler who has perceived or questionable build quality it doesn't engender consumer confidence to the buying public.
Who knows, what product will be birthed from the Chrysler-Fiat alliance.
I know this much. It better be world class. It better hold up under public scrutiny and they better get it right. If Chrysler wants to be a winner, it would be best to maintain a strong brand, based on the dealer network and the core competencies of the new business model that must play to the strength of the new brand.
This is a bit off the subject, but in the same industry. Look at what Ford is doing. Their business model and their car lines makes Ford attractive. They are making a compelling case to buy Ford built product. This too must be the case that Chrysler-Fiat merger must make to the buying public in order to be successful.
For now, I will reserve judgment, because the Court has say in the matter, and they have yet to rule.

mark_hensley@sbcglobal.net

where is the fuel pump of a 95 chrysler cirrus located?

I just bought a 95 chrysler cirrus with a 2.5, and the guy said I had to replace the fuel pump, it costs like 200, but where exactly is it located?

Asked by: Ramiro S @ 2009-05-06 16:58:27

Answers ::
95 and up most of them are inside the fuel tank, Good luck

Jeff M

gas tank

ken k

yep the fuel tank, however it is a lot easier to get to than you think, just have to have a little know how and observe how to get the tank out, and you need to unplug the wires :P

hiei339

They're all right, however, how are you SURE you need a new fuel pump? First, if you just bought it, buy a manual! I prefer Haynes because of the electrical schematics. Follow the trouble shooting steps for the fuel pump. Be a smart guy, not a parts changer. There are several inputs to the computer that if missing, the computer will not tell the pump to turn on. Did the guy who told you about the fuel pump know this? Do your homework buddy and maybe you can $ave $ome bigtime green!

scotts74birds

IN the fuel tank and why does it need to be replace and ask for the old part back and have him show you why it need to be replaced. And if he is putting a aftermarket pump in ie Airtex, ask him what is the warranty and does that include labor

rick b

Gas tank or near the manifold, woudnt surprise me with Chysler...

Steve from PA

How does he know? Ask around, bruh. You may be buying a fuel pump and it may be something at the opposite of the car that's causing the "problem."

It's inside the fuel tank.

Tyson M

what type of freon can i put on a 1991 plymouth grand caravan?

i have a 1991 plymouth voyager what type of freon do i use?

Asked by: Ileana @ 2009-05-06 16:33:57

Answers ::
It uses R-12 but it's illegal to use that now. You have to have the AC system converted to R-134a and then have it charged with that.

disasterprone83

It uses R-12 Refridgerant.

Mike J

It uses R-12

badbill1941

Your van was equipped with R-12 from the factory. R-12 is no longer produced, difficult to find and expensive when it is found. If you can find it and want to pay the expense, refill with R-12 if you are confident your A/C system will retain the freon for the summer season. If not I suggest you change to R-134A, not a difficult changeover and not real expensive but more expensive than continuing the use of R-12 for this season.

The lister oil in your compressor is not compatible with R-12 so that must be changed, a new dryer and a "complete evacuation" of the R-12 freon by a licensed professional with the proper equipment and a fill using R-134A should put you on the road to a cool summer if your system is in otherwise good condition. Check around your locality for a good A/C shop that will discuss the changeover with you.

Don't know everything !

If Chrysler goes Chapter11, What happens to my car payments?

Asked by: Top Cat @ 2009-05-07 21:19:42

Answers ::
Loan gets transferred to another bank.

jason

They did last week, so what? Chpt 11 is a restructure of credit owed. It has nothing to do with your payments, even if Chrysler goes 13 and out of business you still have to pay the bank who owns the note. No way to get out of payments or a free car.

rick b

Ric B. is right. Nothing has changed about your car payments. Continue to pay or your car will be on operation repo. Good Luck.

C-Tech

You will see absolutely no difference. They already have gone BK so forget the if. Obama may pay for your car if he feels like it.

Rudy H

chrysler bought out???????

FIA BOUGHT OUT CHRYSLER???????/ is it true? and fia wants to buy a part of GMC is that true aswell??????
sorry its spelt fiat*

Asked by: d0d0d00d @ 2009-05-05 16:17:20

Answers ::
have you been sleeping the whole month??

sad lady

Yes,fiat...But the UAW bought 55%...

Johnny Rotten

FIAT did not buy out Chrysler.

What happened was that FIAT and Chrysler tried to create an alliance that would share vehicle platforms. This alliance gives FIAT a percentage of Chrysler, but not control.

The UAW (United Auto Workers union) gets about 55% of Chrysler and FIAT gets a maximum of 35%, with the other 20% owned by other investors.

This will happen once Chrysler is out of bankruptcy.

The good point of this is that several FIAT and Alfa Romeo models will now get to be sold in the US again.

Daniel M

What I read somewhere was that Fiat is going to buy out the European GM (Saab, Opel & Vauxhall) along with Chrysler to supposedly be the world largest car/truck maker company.

reliantloner