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Just 45% of Fiat dealers are profitable, and they're angry about it

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On average, Fiat dealers have only been selling about 17 cars a month.
We've been wondering for some time how Fiat dealers in North America have been getting along with just one model range in their showrooms up until recently. Franchisees spent millions building, stocking and manning sleek new 'studio' showrooms, only to have but a single model to sell, the cherubic 500. And even with its many derivatives, the Cinquecento is still an inexpensive model with its attendant lower margins. Perhaps it should come as no surprise then, that just 45 percent of US Fiat dealers are said to be profitable.

Stellantis and Foxconn's new joint venture will focus on connectivity

MILAN — Carmaker Stellantis and TaiwanÂ’s Foxconn announced plans to develop a jointly operated automotive supplier focusing on technology to make vehicles more connected, including artificial intelligence-based applications and 5G communications. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the services that will be developed through the tie-up “will mark the next great evolution of our industry,” alongside fully electrified and hybrid powertrains. The deal brings together Stellantis, the worldÂ’s 4th-largest automaker formed this year by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot, and Foxconn, a major supplier of iPhones. The companies said the venture would focus on such services as infotainment, the integration of telecommunications and computer systems, artificial intelligence-based applications, 5G communications, e-commerce channels and smart cockpit integration. The companies announced a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a 50-50 joint venture called Mobile Drive, which will be based in the Netherlands and function as an automotive supplier also to other carmakers. The new venture will combine advanced consumer electronics, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to create new services “that will exceed customer expectations,” the companies said in a release. “Customers today and, in the future, demand and expect ever-increasing software-driven and creative solutions to connect the drivers and passengers with the vehicle inside and out,Â’Â’ Foxconn Chairman Young Liu. Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Opel Peugeot 5g Connectivity Stellantis Foxconn

Alfa Romeo to launch crossover in 2016

Alfa Romeo has an ambitious product plan in place to revive the marque and bring it back to North America. And according to the latest reports, that includes a new crossover. A dozen years after the reveal of the Kamal concept pictured here, the new, as-yet-unnamed production crossover – referred to internally as Project 949 – will be Alfa's first, arriving hot on the heels of sister-company Maserati's upcoming Levante crossover. The high-riding Alfa will be about the size of the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, and is reportedly being developed on the same rear-drive "Giorgio" platform as the replacement for the discontinued 159 sedan, which is expected to be called Giulia overseas but possibly wear the 6C moniker in North America when it's unveiled on June 24 at the Alfa Romeo museum outside Milan. Both models are expected to be produced at the company's Cassino plant near Rome, and feature a new family of engines including a high-output diesel V6. A larger crossover is set to follow as well. Featured Gallery Alfa Romeo Kamal concept News Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.Image Credit: Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo Crossover alfa romeo giulia