Fiat has started to take advantage of strong Chrysler products and will start selling a Dodge Journey based Fiat Freemont for the European market. Moves like these will expand the Fiat / Chrysler reach worldwide as we fully expect Mr. Marchionne to rebadge a few Fiats in North America with a Chrysler or Dodge nameplate. Sales for both companies can take off if done properly and we get Alfa Romeo’s for sale in the U.S. Alfa’s are beautiful cars and just watch what happens if they drop on the U.S. and Canadian markets!
From Car and Driver:
At the Geneva auto show in March, Fiat will unveil the Freemont, a rebadged Dodge Journey for the European market. It will appear alongside another American export, the Lancia-labeled Chrysler 200, which is expected to be called the Flavia.
Other than the Freemont’s front fascia—which features three quarters of the Dodge’s crosshair grille—the differences are nominal. Most significant, the Freemont’s powertrain lineup adds two diesel options, which are sure to make up the overwhelming majority of sales in Europe. Shoppers will be able to choose from a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with either 140 or 170 hp. Although Fiat hasn’t yet released full specs, in other applications these engines make a respective 236 or 266 lb-ft of torque. The diesels will be available only with manual transmissions and front-wheel drive. The range-topping Freemont will come with Chrysler’s powerful 3.6-liter V-6, a six-speed autobox, and all-wheel drive as the only configuration.
