With the Fiat 500 officially on sale on our shores, it’s just the first of Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne’s plan of an Italian invasion. We will see many more Fiats, the return of Alfa Romeo, and even some Lancias. Or will we?
According to reports, the idea to bring the Lancia Ypsilon (pictured above) and the Lancia Delta has been shelved. The latter was even shown off at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show badged as a Chrysler. So, what gives? Well, apparently the launch of the Ypsilon was too close for comfort to the launch of the Fiat 500. There was a fear of the Ypsilon stealing the 500’s time to shine in the spotlight and cannibalizing 500 sales.
I can buy that, but why not just stagger the launches? Why cancel the plans all together?
Plans to sell the Chrysler 200, 200 convertible, 300 and Town & Country are apparently still on, however. They will be badged as Lancias.
So, not the greatest news, but I guess we should thank our lucky stars that we’re getting any Italian cars in the first place.
[Italiaspeed]
We’re better off without them. Italian cars are nice but they are notoriously unreliable. Lancias especially
Amazing post this is what I have been searching the web for!!!