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Does the future of Fiat-Chrysler include Dodge?

Wards Auto reports the future of Dodge is looking uncertain. Fiat has more or less laid out it's game plan for the next few years, and while the Chrysler, Fiat and Jeep lines are set to receive plenty of love, Dodge isn't so lucky. Fiat has already hobbled Dodge significantly by splitting off the brand's trucks into a separate Ram line.
Wards says that after the Avenger rides off into the sunset early next year, Fiat-Chrysler won't replace the model, leaving a gaping midsize hole in the Dodge lineup. The report also cites unnamed sources as saying that at least two other current Dodge products will move to the Chrysler line.
One of those could very well be the Grand Caravan. Chrysler has already made it clear that it plans to trim redundancy between its minivan offerings, but it has yet to clarify which other vehicle could sail under the Chrysler banner moving forward. Either way, such changes to the product line would theoretically leave Dodge with just four models.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider: Japanese bones, Italian flair

Fiata! Fiat + Miata. That's exactly what we have here in the new 124 Spider that officially debuts in Los Angeles this week. FCA leveraged Mazda's excellent fourth-generation MX-5 Miata platform, but created something rather unique in the process. Yes, it's more than just a rebadged Mazda. See what we mean with a lot more detail, here. The big difference is design, Fiat having incorporated totally new sheetmetal for the 124 Spider. It's a polarizing look, perhaps not as friendly as the Mazda, and Fiat says it pays homage to the original 124 Spider from long ago. There's an upright fascia with rounded lamps and a nice LED running lamp signature, mimicked out back with squared-off taillamps with LEDs that light up the outline of the taillamp housings. Curves and lines abound, making the Fiat an interesting roadster to behold. Under the hood lies Fiat's 1.4-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine, plucked from the 500 Abarth. It makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fiat's quite insistent that its 124 Spider has the soul of a proper Italian roadster, and from some short teaser videos we were able to watch, it sounds like the little droptop will offer plenty of raspy, throaty, aural delight. The interior is, well, straight from the Miata, right down to the control knobs for the HVAC system, infotainment screen (no UConnect here), and window switches. But that also means the roof is easy to unlatch and throw back, the seats are surprisingly comfortable, and there's ample room for even larger drivers. Fiat will launch the 124 Spider next summer, and the first 124 examples will be offered in a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso trim, with individually numbered badges. Those first samples will be available in a unique Azzurro Italia (read: blue) paint. Read Fiat's full press release below for more details, and don't forget to check out or deep dive about how this car stacks up agains the Miata on which its based. All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience - 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America - Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend - Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft.

Fiat board makes Chrysler merger official, approves $5.4B bond sale

Fiat's board of directors has officially approved the merger plan that will see the conglomerate's automotive operations merged with Chrysler into the new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The plan essentially provides a road map for the structure of the new company. It includes provisions for Fiat shareholders - one Fiat share will translate to one share of FCA common stock. The new company will also include a loyalty voting structure, which will provide for shareholders of Fiat stock or those that have held FCA stock for at least three years. According to the plan, these shareholders would see their voting power double, with two votes for every share of FCA's common stock. The overall merger plan still needs to be approved by the company's shareholders.
In other Fiat-related news, the company's board has announced a bond issuance of four billion euro ($5.4 billion). The new bonds should provide the company with a degree of flexibility in refinancing debts associated with the merger plan.