2012 Ypsilon to Arrive in UK and Ireland Under Chrysler Badge

Lancia is readying its Geneva offensive with the launch of a new generation Ypsilon in two weeks time. But, according to Carscoop, the new model will actually arrive in Great Britain and Ireland sporting Chrysler badges. Fiat announced in 2008 it was putting a halt to its plans of reintroducing the Lancia brand in the UK and other right-hand drive markets, stating that it was not economically viable due to the global economic crisis. But following Fiat’s merger with Chrysler Group in 2010, CEO Sergio Marchionne took the initiative to merge the Lancia and Chrysler brands, creating a single brand in some markets, with a single full lineup with different names from one market to the other. The 2012 Ypsilon supermini will be the first real example of the company’s scheme, as it will be available in Europe's right hand markets as the Chrysler Ypsilon. Following a similar strategy, the Chrysler Ypsilon could be offered in other markets as well in the near future. The new car will be based on the Fiat Panda platform and will be offered for the first time in a five-door configuration. It will also feature a much sportier and more modern look than the previous generation. Powering the Ypsilon is believed to be a range of Fiat’s most recent small engines, including the 0.9-liter SGE, a 1.4-liter Multijet and the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.