Fiat may have been the one to buy a controlling stake in Chrysler, but it’s the American arm of the company that it destined to take over the distribution of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Fiat Professional vehicles in Australia.
In a similar move, Chrysler had taken over distribution responsibilities for Fiat cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia back in February.
In Australia, the Fiat group’s distribution rights will be transferred to Chrysler on May 1. Under the new deal, the Italian group’s 17 passenger dealerships and 22 commercial vehicle outlets across the country, will report directly to the Melbourne-based Chrysler Australia group.
Collectively, the Fiat group sold 2,635 vehicles in Australia in 2011. In the same year, the Chrysler Group’s three brands reported sales of 11,931 units, up 27.5% from 2010, while 2012 January and February sales are up 78% over the same period in 2011.
The Italian company’s Australian offerings include the Alfa Romeo 159 sedan and, Sportwagon, Mito and Giulietta, the Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth, and Fiat Professional brands Ducato and Scudo.
PHOTO GALLERY
