The new group, yet unnamed, will be headed by Harald J. Wester, currently CEO of Maserati and Abarth, according to inside sources talking for Autonews. Waster will be in charge with finding the best way in which the three brands would become competitive.
What would this mean for each of the brands? Things are not clear yet, but big changes are expected to take place. The new group may become a more sports-oriented division of Fiat, or may as well turn its attention to mass-production...
Out of the three brands however, Fiat seems to be looking into ways to stop the money-dripping from Alfa Romeo. The carmaker already launched the MiTo last year as is getting ready to release the Giulietta.
The two are supposed to remain the core of the Alfa line-up, an intermediary step, say some, towards the slow demise of Alfa, due to lack of diversity. Unless, as others hint, Fiat will use Chrysler's platforms to build two new cars in the US, likely replacements for the 159 and 166.
Of course, combining the Maserati with the -let's face it- lesser Alfa Romeo and Abarth may lead to a depreciation in Maserati's image. Fears are Maserati will leave the luxury sports cars and slowly lose its appeal, as a mean to earn more money.
Whatever the plans, they will all be unveiled by Fiat in April, when the new 5 years business plan is due to be released.
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