The GREAT Debate: Who DIES First In America? The English Or The Italians? Jaguar? MINI? Maserati? Fiat? Alfa Romeo?

Right now the automotive industry is undergoing rather stressful times. Sales seem to have flatlined after hitting all-time highs and there's a systemic shift happening as manufacturers try to build electric vehicles.

In the process a lot of cash is being burned.

And while some are weathering the storm quite well, others are not doing such a great job. It doesn't help when their products are simply not strong. Some are total misses top to bottom, others lack great technology and others just have awful packaging.

Having said that, we think it's safe to say that there's a handful of brands that are in serious danger in the American market. The list includes: Jaguar, MINI, Maserati, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

So, we've got to ask. WHO do YOU think is going to eat it first? The English or the Italians?

valhallakey - 9/24/2019 2:01:58 AM

+1 Boost

Unfortunately it will likely be Fiat. I hope not, the Abarth's are good inexpensive alternative fun... even if overpriced for what you get. I like more choices even if some of those choices are not great ones.

Foncool - 9/24/2019 6:49:02 AM

+1 Boost

Break down the common denominators.

Mini can be absorbed into the BMW network and survive.
Jaguar has Land Rover to help them through.

FIAT, Alfa and Maserati are all run by Chrysler a company with a history of mismanagement, corruption and bankruptcy.
There is a reason why Daimler was willing to take a 26 billion loss to separate themselves from Chrysler.

Study history look into Chrysler’s involvement with Maserati and Alfa in the late 80s early 90s, it is and has been history repeating itself.

Foncool - 9/24/2019 6:57:17 AM

0 Boost

Now look at the other 2 Italian car companies in North America. Lamborghini was involved with Chrysler which nearly destroyed the company. Audi management turned the company around.

Ferrari even when part of FCA never had Chrysler management. Ferrari today is the most successful car company in the world operating at a level far beyond everyone else.

MDarringer - 9/24/2019 8:11:47 AM

-1 Boost

Fiat, Alfa, and Maserati are NOT run by Chrysler. Chrysler is run by Fiat.

Foncool - 9/24/2019 9:00:46 AM

+1 Boost

“Fiat, Alfa, and Maserati are NOT run by Chrysler. Chrysler is run by Fiat.

— MDarringer”

You have no idea what you’re talking about, you are out of your depth. The people running FCA are Manley and Palmer both from Chrysler with a disinterested oversight from Elkann. The only Italian that was a possible replacement for Marchionne was Altavilla who was forced out in favor of Manley.

The downward spiral of Maserati and Alfa began when first Bigland (under investigation) and then Kuniskis (still running Alfa) both Chrysler were appointed to the top positions at both Maserati and Alfa.

They moved operations to Auburn Hills, where decisions were being made out of Michigan not Italy. They began to incorporate the Maserati distribution network into Chrysler’s. They flooded the market areas by awarded franchises to subpar CDJR dealers to the detriment of good dealers.

MDarringer - 9/24/2019 8:14:40 AM

0 Boost

Fortunately it will be Fiat. Good riddance to the Italian garbage.

Fiat--the brand--is dead for sales.

Alfa-Romeo has been a complete sales failure with dealers closing.

Maserati was forgotten at least 5 years ago.

This means that Fiat will sell Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep and speed the day!

OneOfOne - 9/24/2019 1:51:55 PM

+1 Boost

FIAT is a joke full stop. land rover is the only relevant english marque and thats in name only and further only for the 1% and the bougie off lease buying scrubs. neither are really relevant to the america aside from the usual media ass kissing anyway