Photo: Volkswagen
Any sort of news surrounding Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has a whiff of fantasy to it, especially when it comes to reports originating from the rumor mill. And the latest development to focus on FCA isn’t any different, with the Italo-American automaker reportedly interested in joining hands with Volkswagen.
As per the Wall Street Journal, which is citing people familiar with the situation, “Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV have held talks over joint production of some light-utility vehicles.” Think Amarok mid-size pickup truck and the Golf-based Caddy van. The finer details of the supposed VW-FCA talks are somewhat murky at this point in time, to say the least.
What the business-focused newspaper underlines, however, that Volkswagen isn’t seeking to buy Fiat Chrysler, but share development and production costs of next-gen workhorses. One of the insiders further mentions that the circumstances are still “vague... we have to see if this will be pursued.”
Let’s say Fiat Chrysler and Volkswagen will confirm the report, and the next-generation Amarok will be developed with the know-how of both parties. If so, it’s easy to imagine the Ram 1500 gaining a smaller brother that will succeed the Dakota pickup truck. For FCA’s workhorse brand, an all-new Dakota would square off nicely with the likes of the Toyota Tacoma.
The supposed replacement for the Caddy, meanwhile, would take over from the Ram ProMaster City. Based on the European-spec Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City is as basic as a panel van can get. There’s also a people-hauling variant in the lineup, but the passenger wagon leaves a few too many to be desired when compared to today's versatile crossovers and SUVs.
The WSJ report follows up on two previous stories regarding the future of Fiat Chrysler. On the one hand, the Chinese are interested in Jeep. On the other, FCA is pondering if it would make sense to spin off Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
What the business-focused newspaper underlines, however, that Volkswagen isn’t seeking to buy Fiat Chrysler, but share development and production costs of next-gen workhorses. One of the insiders further mentions that the circumstances are still “vague... we have to see if this will be pursued.”
Let’s say Fiat Chrysler and Volkswagen will confirm the report, and the next-generation Amarok will be developed with the know-how of both parties. If so, it’s easy to imagine the Ram 1500 gaining a smaller brother that will succeed the Dakota pickup truck. For FCA’s workhorse brand, an all-new Dakota would square off nicely with the likes of the Toyota Tacoma.
The supposed replacement for the Caddy, meanwhile, would take over from the Ram ProMaster City. Based on the European-spec Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City is as basic as a panel van can get. There’s also a people-hauling variant in the lineup, but the passenger wagon leaves a few too many to be desired when compared to today's versatile crossovers and SUVs.
The WSJ report follows up on two previous stories regarding the future of Fiat Chrysler. On the one hand, the Chinese are interested in Jeep. On the other, FCA is pondering if it would make sense to spin off Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
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