FCA Still Seeking Partner to Build Its Compact Cars
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is still seeking a partner to build its compact cars.
Earlier this year, the company revealed that it will eventually stop selling the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 models so that it can focus on increasing production of its popular Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks. When CEO Sergio Marchionne made the announcement, he hinted that both models could return to the marketplace is another automaker is willing to manufacture the cars.
Speaking to Motor Trend at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Marchionne confirmed the automaker is still actively speaking to potential partners: “There are discussions going on now. I think we will find a solution. We continue to talk. It’s both a technical solution and an economic one. We need to find a solution that works economically.”
SEE ALSO: Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart Getting Axed Under New FCA Plan
He admits that FCA wants to find someone “who is better at it than we are and who has got capacity available.” He also confirmed that if the Dart and 200 do come back to the lineup, it won’t be FCA behind the manufacturing.
The factory in charge of producing the Chrysler 200 is extending its temporary shutdown to April 4. The plant originally went down February 1 and was supposed to return March 14. For the year, Chrysler 200 sales have dropped 61 percent while the Dodge Dart has fallen 26 percent.
[Source: Motor Trend]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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