fiat

Chrysler has enjoyed so much success with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee that Fiat (FIATY) may use the vehicle's platform for Alfa Romeo and Maserati models. Chrysler, which is controlled by the Italian company, introduced the new Grand Cherokee earlier in 2010. Sponsored Links "One of the things...

Buoyed by consumers' increased confidence in the U.S. economy, most automakers reported higher sales of cars and trucks in the U.S. during October compared to a year ago -- making it the best October in three years for the auto industry.

Chrysler Group reportedly is planning to build a small car capable of 40 mpg based on a current Fiat design in a bid to boost its corporate fuel economy average.

In addition to state tax credits from Michigan -- and the billions of dollars already loaned it by U.S. taxpayers in the form of last year's bailout -- Chrysler may soon get approval for billions more in loans from the Department of Energy.

Vehicle sales have been less than stellar in recent months, disappointing some analysts. But the industry is gradually improving in a broad trend that is benefiting nearly all automakers -- including the Big Three, which have returned from the brink.

Demand for new cars and trucks should be better than it was a year ago. But expectations now are for lower sales than in August, itself unimpressive. That would leave autos stuck in a four-month-long rut.

Italian automaker Fiat reportedly is looking to acquire a bigger stake in Chrysler Group, and may seek to sell shares in its Ferrari sports-car unit in an initial public offering to help fund the purchase, unnamed sources told the respected Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Eager for fresh products to sell to consumers, Chrysler dealers are vying for about 165 Fiat franchises. Fiat took over management of Chrysler last year as the carmaker was heading into bankruptcy.

U.S. auto sales started off strong over the Labor Day holiday weekend, but have since dropped significantly, according to analysis by car-buying guide Edmunds.com.

Officials from Chrysler Group unveiled a new midsized sedan at an event with some 1,800 dealers Tuesday in Florida as the struggling automaker continues to revamp its aging fleet of cars and trucks. The new Chrysler 200 sedan, which replaces the slow-selling Sebring, goes on sale later this year...