We are very interested to check out the new offering from Fiat/Chrysler with a Lancia badge. If it’s anything like the Delta that would be a great first step in introducing the new brand to potential U.S. customers.

From AutoGuide.com:

Contrary to previous reports that Chrysler will not present any new models at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, there is now word that the struggling U.S. automaker will show a new car based on a Lancia platform. The Lancia badge is a sub-brand under Fiat, which now runs Chrysler.

There is no word on what sort of a vehicle it will be, but Fiat is eager to help Chrysler where it needs help most – in the small and mid-size car market. This new model would be the first idea of how Fiat intends to integrate its European designs into the North American marketplace.

Read the full article here.

Even though the new product is still 12 months away you can feel something different already with Chrysler.

The new ads you see on T.V. for the Ram trucks, the optimism from Marchionne and the hope for survival! Can they pull this thing off? Don’t know the answer to that question but Marchionne appears geared up to give it one heck of a try.

From the Detroit News:

Chrysler Group LLC survived bankruptcy but the success of its strategy now hinges on convincing consumers to buy its cars and trucks in the critical next 12 months.

That’s a significant hurdle given that most upgrades to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are a year away.

Still, the Auburn Hills automaker is lucky to be in business a year after seeking a government bailout and being pushed into Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the Obama administration. It has a new name, a new partnership with Italy’s Fiat SpA, new management and a new way of developing, manufacturing and selling vehicles that top executives say will help restore profits by 2011.

Read the rest of the article here.