Chrysler Vehicles to Be Sold in Europe as Lancias

Fiat Group's plans for the Lancia brand are closely related to Chrysler. The Italian brand is virtually absent outside its homeland, so Fiat wants to justify its existence by making it a European version of Chrysler. Basically, all Chrysler vehicles to be sold in Europe will bear the Lancia logo.

The other way round is also possible. If Fiat decides to sell the Lancia Delta in the U.S., it will be sold as a Chrysler. Beginning next year, five Chrysler-built vehicles in North America will be sold in Europe with the Lancia badge. The only European countries where Chrysler cars will sell under the American brand will be the United Kingdom and Ireland, both right-hand drive markets from which Lancia withdrew in 1991. Lancia-built vehicles will also be sold there under the Chrysler brand.

Dealers in Europe will get Lancia versions of the following Chrysler models: the new 300C large sedan (2011), the restyled Voyager large minivan (2011), a U.S.-built compact sedan (2012) and a U.S.-built compact hatchback/station wagon (2012). The future European-built Chrysler Sebring will also be sold as a Lancia in Europe.

Meanwhile, the North American range of the Fiat brand will include four models: three variations of the 500 minicar built in Mexico (a hatchback, convertible and Abarth sporty version) and a four-door high-roof hatchback built in Turin. Next year, the Mexico-built Dodge Journey crossover will become a Fiat model in Europe, and the Ram unibody pickup, due in 2012, will be sold in Europe under the Fiat Professional brand of light commercial vehicles.