Since Fiat’s take over of Chrysler, there have been talks of not only featuring Chrysler branded European models here in the states, but also exporting Michigan-made products across the pond. Not too long ago, Fiat, who also has a hand in the Europe-only Lancia brand, announced that the Chrysler 200 model line would be the first to make the oversea trip. According to an Automotive News article, that is still the case but a change has been made. It would appear that only the 200 Convertible will be offered in Europe as the Lancia Flavia.
The reason behind this decision stems from the lack of a diesel engine option. The cost of adapting a Fiat/Lancia engine into a Chrysler 200 is just too much to justify bringing the entire lineup over. Because diesel engines make up more than half of European passenger car sales, Fiat believes a gasoline sedan simply will not sell well without a special catch. That special catch can be found in the form of the 200 Convertible as Cabriolet’s offer a special charm that can outweigh the lack of a diesel option. The Lancia Flavia Cabriolet should go on sale across Europe next year.
Source: AutomotiveNews.com
