Have to say I am a bit disappointed reading Bill Cawthon's article about the likelihood that Ram dealers will not be getting Iveco commercial trucks to sell after all, like the Daily van. I was envisioning the possibility of a three way tie up of Ram, Iveco, and CNH. I think such an arrangement may have created some unique opportunities for Ram, particularly in the construction industry. And of course it could have been a way for Ram to expand into heavier medium duty and heavy duty commercial trucks. As I understand it, Fiat Industrial, after having been spun off of Fiat SpA, well be merged with CNH and will become a separate entity from Fiat SpA.. I have a few questions about the deal:
One, does it make it easier for Fiat SpA. to liquidate their investment in Fiat Industrial and CNH if needed to facilitate purchasing the rest of Chrysler?
Two, does it have anything to do with Fred Diaz's departure? This certainly could not be the only reason Diaz left (if it was a factor at all), but he seemed to be a major proponent of expanding Ram into larger commercial trucks through Iveco.
I am less optimistic about Iveco's prospects in the U.S. if their products are marketed through CHN dealers instead of Ram dealers. Either way would likely mean a completely new commercial truck dealer network would have to be created, but I think the Ram brand would have made the effort more successful. Time will tell, but I see some tough sledding going against Navistar, Freightliner, Volvo/Mack, and PACCAR.
One, does it make it easier for Fiat SpA. to liquidate their investment in Fiat Industrial and CNH if needed to facilitate purchasing the rest of Chrysler?
Two, does it have anything to do with Fred Diaz's departure? This certainly could not be the only reason Diaz left (if it was a factor at all), but he seemed to be a major proponent of expanding Ram into larger commercial trucks through Iveco.
I am less optimistic about Iveco's prospects in the U.S. if their products are marketed through CHN dealers instead of Ram dealers. Either way would likely mean a completely new commercial truck dealer network would have to be created, but I think the Ram brand would have made the effort more successful. Time will tell, but I see some tough sledding going against Navistar, Freightliner, Volvo/Mack, and PACCAR.