Alfa Romeo MiTo is among the Fiat products that could be on their way to the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Fiat)

 

NEW YORK — A Fiat/Chrysler alliance would include four vehicle platforms, two engine and two transmission families, according to Chrysler bankruptcy documents. Specific vehicles would include the Fiat 500 and the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Milano 940, the documents say.

One document, the declaration of Thomas W. LaSorda, Chrysler vice chairman and president, said that the automaker recently made several overtures to Chinese automakers in hopes of selling off product lines, but with no luck.

“Chrysler has attempted in recent weeks to sell product lines and other units to a number of Chinese companies, but these efforts too have been unsuccessful,” LaSorda said in his affidavit.

The lengthy document gave a glimpse into what consumers can expect from a Fiat/Chrysler alliance. LaSorda characterized the plans as “concrete and specific.”

“Access to Fiat technology and platforms is a critical benefit of the alliance,” he said. “Fiat would give Chrysler access to its 3.0-liter diesel engine and 1.4-liter gas engine technology, critical pieces for Chrysler to meet the new fuel economy standards.”

LaSorda spelled out the future products plans in this way:

“Chrysler and Fiat have identified four vehicle platforms and two engine and transmission families that can be used in the alliance. Among those platforms are Fiat's highly successful C-EVO platform, which Fiat and Chrysler have agreed to manufacture at one of Chrysler's U.S. plants, and Fiat's small car F500 and Fiat's hatchback.

“These shared platforms will result in substantial savings to Chrysler while accelerating an entry into the small-car market. Without Fiat, it would cost approximately $8 billion to $10 billion and four to five years for Chrysler to develop four new platforms, two new engine families and two new transmission families.”

In a related document, the declaration of Robert Manzo, the specific vehicles that Fiat would provide are spelled out.

Manzo is the executive director of Capstone Advisory Group LLC, a financial advisory services firm that has been working with Chrysler since November 2008.

“Fiat would provide cars in segments not currently served or those underserved by Chrysler, particularly as market demand increases for more fuel-efficient, smaller vehicles,” Manzo said in the affidavit. “These car lines include: the Fiat 500 and Jeep Panda, in the smallest 'A' segment; the Grand Punto and Alfa Mito in the subcompact 'B' segment; and the Evo sedan and Milano 940 in the 'C' segment.”