Not only will Fiat move to have Chryslers built in Italy, but Chrysler's European offerings may be shared with the Lancia brand.
Although Lancia has a long and storied history of producing luxury automobiles, modern Lancia products are mostly more luxurious versions of existing Fiat models. Recent offerings, like the new Delta, offer a fair amount of style, but other products are due for a refresh.
Fiat hopes to breathe fresh air into both brands by having the two share vehicles. Lancia is expected to replace its outgoing Thesis flagship with a version of the next-generation Chrysler 300, and may also see a variation of the Sebring replacement as well. Chrysler will possibly -- at least in Europe -- make use of Lancia's Ypsilon compact car, allowing the company to finally play in the premium-subcompact segment (something it's contemplated since it unveiled the 1999 Java concept).
While the move may seem somewhat surprising, given the executive appointments made yesterday, it's not completely out of the blue. Lancia CEO Oliver Francois officially assumed similar duties at Chrysler yesterday.
Source: Automotive News
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