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Tarrytown, NY - “Right now we’re just dating.” That was the description by Jim Press, president of Chrysler LLC, speaking with journalists this week in this suburb of New York abouit the current relationship between Fiat and Chrysler. Repeated attempts to pin Press down was met with a similar response.

The relationship isn’t Chrysler’s first, Press noted, citing the well-publicized negotiations with GM and cooperation with Mitsubishi and Nissan as recent examples.

Mitsubishi’s relationship with Chrysler dates back to 1970 when Chrysler Corporation bought 15 percent of Mitsubishi for access to small cars not in its model range, starting with the importation of a small sedan dubbed the Dodge Colt. Later Chrysler joined with Mitsubishi in a joint venture called Diamond Star Motors to build cars for both companies in a factory in Normal, Illinois.

More recently Chrysler has announced plans to build the next generation of Nissan Titan pickup trucks and is involved in a “B-class” small car joint venture with Nissan, with production set for the 2011 and 2010 model years respectively (something that will not be affected by the Fiat deal, said Press).

But the current deal, which was supposed to be discussed under the cone of silence, was spilled before either Fiat or Chrysler was ready. Thus the “dating” quip. It is still too early, says Press, to talk specifics because neither party fully knows what will happen as the relationship proceeds.

Here’s what we can expect, however:

In exchange for the equity to be transferred to Fiat, Chrysler will get access to every platform in the Fiat range and in some cases, even tooling, which Press says is invaluable. Developing cars in the A-, B- and C-class—micro, mini, and small—would take years. With Fiat, some of the best platforms around will be available to start designing on immediately.

Existing product, such as the Fiat 500 mini, a smash hit in Europe, would require homologation to meet U.S. regulations.

Whether that car or any other in Fiat’s repertoire would be brought over, or even manufactured here, as is or whether it would be sold with a Chrysler group brand (there are also rumors—mostly wishful thinking, we believe—about the revival of Plymouth brand) or with a Fiat badge hasn’t begun to be considered.

But once a decision has been made—assuming that the alliance is approved by the companies’ respective governments, plus the government loan for Chrysler—Press says progress could be rapid, citing the decision and development of the Dodge Challenger in less than two years.

An article in the trade weekly Automotive News claims “the plan” is for seven cars for seven Fiat vehicles for the U.S., “four with Chrysler brands and three as Fiats or Alfa Romeos.” The “plan,” however, is an educated guess by AN, with a lot of “likely” and “could.” Still, it would be surprising if an A-class car for both Chrysler (probably as a Dodge) and Fiat weren’t eventually part of the product mix. Automotive News also predicts two B-Class vehicles based on the Fiat Punto platform, plus the Alfa-Romeo MiTo coupe, also on the same platform. A CSM Worldwide report cited by AN says a small crossover would be possible for Chrysler, using the same platform.

Chrysler’s C-segment is populated by the Dodge Caliber and Nitro and Jeep Compass and Patriot, all vehicles in need of replacement. Fiat doubtless would provide the platform for surviving models, and there’s a good chance that a new platform under development by Fiat would form the basis of the next generation of the Chrysler Sebring and/or Dodge Avenger. The Dodge Journey crossover is built on the platform of the current Sebring/Avenger, so that vehicle would be in play also, though that would seem to be farther out yet.

Still, it’s all speculation as Chrysler and Fiat haven’t yet finalized the alliance much less the details about which vehicles get built by whom.

What’s certain should the alliance move forward, said Press, is that the Chrysler Group would get a wider range of products than it has had and sooner for both small cars and small SUVs (note Nitro and Patriot), new distribution channels each company in the geographic region where the other is strong, the transfer of facilities and equipment, and for Chrysler, an invaluable storehouse of engineering and technological knowhow that would take years to develop in-house in exchange for part ownership by Fiat.

But if deal goes through, the alliance is anticipated to be a long-term affair, said Press, and not, to expand his metaphor, just a one-night stand.

As found on site:

http://www.examiner.com/x-572-Auto-Review-Examiner~y2009m1d28-ChryslerFiat-alliance-What-cars-and-models-will-it-create Feb 8th 2009