Publications
Publications
- May 2011 (Revised July 2011)
- HBS Case Collection
Fiat-Chrysler Alliance: Launching the Cinquecento in North America
By: Gary P. Pisano, Phillip Andrews and Alessandro Di Fiore
Abstract
Fiat ended its 27-year absence in the North American automobile market when the first Cinquecento (500)—a very small, iconic Italian car that had strong sales in Europe—was delivered on March 10, 2011. The Italian automaker re-entered the market through an alliance with Chrysler, the American automaker Fiat acquired in April 2009. For Laura Soave, Chrysler Group's head of Fiat Brand North America, the first delivery marked a watershed in a journey that began 12 months before when she first took responsibility for re-launching the Fiat brand in North America. As the first product of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, the outcome of the Cinquecento launch would indicate how the integration of operations, and in particular the sharing of technology, platforms, components, manufacturing plants, and distribution networks would drive the long-term health of both Fiat and Chrysler. This case looks at the various strategic and operational challenges Soave faced throughout the process.
Keywords
Product Launch; Product Positioning; Mergers and Acquisitions; Partners and Partnerships; Globalization; Operations; Growth and Development Strategy; Integration; Auto Industry; North America; Europe
Citation
Pisano, Gary P., Phillip Andrews, and Alessandro Di Fiore. "Fiat-Chrysler Alliance: Launching the Cinquecento in North America." Harvard Business School Case 611-037, May 2011. (Revised July 2011.)