1974 Fiat Jolly Jolly - (collector Series) on 2040-cars

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GM, FCA retain financial advisors amid merger rumors

Well, here we go again. Despite allegedly shutting down the idea of a merger, General Motors has retained financial advisors to, well, advise it on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' advances. GM brought in New York-based Goldman Sachs, while FCA is currently working with Switzerland's UBS. Another source told Reuters that GM was working with Morgan Stanley, as well. But what does all this mean? Well, as we know, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne still has his eyes set very much on merging his automaker to combat what he claims are the prohibitive costs that come from developing today's vehicles. And while GM has said "no thanks," to a merger, the FCA boss is still looking to shareholders of the world's third-largest automaker to force the issue. Rather than a sign of an impending merger, voluntary or otherwise, between the two automotive powers – analysts called a hostile move by FCA "beyond ambitious," after all – retaining financial advisors on both sides could be viewed as just good business. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Chrysler Fiat GM Sergio Marchionne FCA

Fiat to reveal new 500 on July 4

Fiat has announced that it will reveal a new 500 on July 4 – now just a few weeks away - and just one day after we saw spy shots of the prototypes undergoing testing. The date is not only significant for the American side of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, but for the Italian one as well. In 1957, Fiat rolled out the original Cinquecento in Turin on July 4. Of course a lot has happened since then, and several generations of the 500 have followed. The current model was introduced in 2007, and has since reached over 100 markets around the world with over 1.5 million sold. Since the introduction of the current 500 hatchback, Fiat has rolled out the 500C with an opening roof panel, the 500L for hauling families, and the 500X crossover – to say nothing of the Abarth performance models. As the 500L and 500X aren't directly related to the hatchback, however, they'll likely carry over in their current form after the three-door model is replaced next month. Fiat will be introducing the New 500 on 4 July The countdown to 4 July, the birthday of the iconic 500, has started. It is an important anniversary and this year there will be a great surprise for the millions of fans all over the world who drive it, want it or just admire it. The New 500 is coming and it will be revealed precisely on 4 July, during an unforgettable event. Born in Turin on 4 July 1957, the 500 was revamped in 2007 and since then it has offered the public something new every year. Marketed in more than 100 countries in the world and with more than 1.5 million registered vehicles, the iconic Fiat never ceases to amaze and surprise people with its countless versions and interpretations. Turin, 10 June 2015 Related Video:

Porsche tops J.D. Power quality index as Korean brands soar

While complaints about infotainment systems remain a thorn in the side of automakers for J.D. Power's annual Initial Quality Study, there's a lot to celebrate this year. The average number of problems reported per 100 vehicles fell to 112 in 2015 – a three-percent improvement compared to 116 in 2014. The results of this year's survey are based on the responses of over 84,000 people about problems within the first 90 days of buying or leasing a 2015 model-year vehicle. For the third consecutive year, Porsche tops the rankings with an average of 80 problems per 100 vehicles. Although, that's slightly more than the 74 the German sportscar maker scored in 2014. "While the Japanese automakers continue to make improvements, we're seeing other brands, most notably Korean makes, really accelerating the rate of improvement," Renee Stephens, vice president of US automotive quality at J.D. Power, said in the study's release. In fact, Kia ranks as one of the biggest movers in this year's list. The Korean brand jumped to second place from seventh last year. The company had an average of 86 problems per 100 vehicles, a 20-point improvement. Third place went to Jaguar with an average of 93 problems reported, versus last year's second-place finish with 87 of them. Fourth place was Hyundai, and fifth-place Infiniti also earned a gold star for improvement with 97 issues per 100 vehicles – 31-points better than last year. Fiat still anchored the bottom of the list. However, its 161 problems this year is a lot better than the 206 in 2014. Ranked by nationality, Korean brands (Hyundai and Kia) are now leading the industry in initial quality with an average of 90 problems reported per 100 vehicles. According to J.D. Power, this is the first time Europe's figure beat Japan with 113 and 114 issues, respectively. The American brands also averaged 114. Whereas General Motors dominated last year, the segment awards are spread out in 2015. GM, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volkswagen Group are all tied with four models each earning prizes. For more information, you can also see all of the graphs, here. J.D.