Global Engine Alliance days numbered?

The Detroit Free Press reported that Chrysler had removed the logos of former partners Hyundai and Mitsubishi from the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant which makes four-cylinder engines in Dundee, Mich. While none of the three parties commented, given that Chrysler has now access to four-cylinder engines generally seen as superior, and that the original partnership was apparently initiated by Daimler, ending the alliance would seem logical.

The three companies had developed a basic engine, but heads, fuel injection, and other key features were created independently. One insider claimed the block originated with Hyundai, and that Mitsubishi and Chrysler engineers were called in to make it more practical.

While BMW had considered using the Neon 2.0 liter engine in its 3-series cars, and did use a smaller version of that engine in the Mini, Daimler appeared to believe that Chrysler was incapable of designing four-cylinder engines on its own. After eleven years of downsizing, it appears now that Chrysler actually is incapable of designing new four-cylinder engines, and will be adapting highly-regarded Fiat designs.