Fiat buys Bertone.

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Fiat buys Bertone, saves jobs

August 7, 2009 - 7:09AM

Automotive giant Fiat is to acquire historic car styling, coachbuilding and manufacturing company Bertone from special administration, retaining more than 1300 jobs.

Italy's Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola said Fiat's offer was superior to private Italian capital and Chinese and Spanish bids, with 150 million euros ($257 million) of investment over three years in the Turin company.

The Bertone plant - founded at the beginning of the 20th century and noted for its production of Fiat's X1/9, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, 850 Spider lightweight cars - is to take part in the production of certain Chrysler models. Fiat has a 20 per cent stake in the US car maker.
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Good or bad decision by Fiat??
 
I think it's a good decision, probably cheaper than building a whole new plant. Plus wouldn't this mean they have the rights to the Mantide also? I would like to see how that car performs.
 
I'd say good buy, if they have the money. Having a new style firm can tighten some lines, and issue some special models. Go for it FIAT.
 
Bertone was having difficulties in the last 2 years, so it's good to see a rather large company pick them up. These are pretty big contracts, however it isn't very clear how much of the manufacturing duties they could take on. Bertone's got a good young talent at the top, so we can expect to see some pretty brave designs coming in the near future.
 
Honestly, from a small car lovers point of view, I'd love to see Bertone & FIAT team up to create a 21st century version of the 124 Coupe, ala new Mustang, Camaro, etc. Use the Fiat Turbo's 20V motor in a north-south configuration and bam, new RWD cult car. :cool:

Yes yes, I know the 124 Coupe was a Pinanfarina designed car. Doesn't mean Bertone can't have a try.
 
Sounds good to me, pair Bertone styling with the new Fiat GSE 900cc engines and you've got a winner.
 
mafia_boy
Honestly, from a small car lovers point of view, I'd love to see Bertone & FIAT team up to create a 21st century version of the 124 Coupe, ala new Mustang, Camaro, etc. Use the Fiat Turbo's 20V motor in a north-south configuration and bam, new RWD cult car. :cool:

Yes yes, I know the 124 Coupe was a Pinanfarina designed car. Doesn't mean Bertone can't have a try.
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The Coupe Turbo 20V five is no longer in production. Epic idea, though.

we'd more likely see an Abarth four/3.5 Phoenix combo in one, though Challenger kind of takes up that spot a little...

Hm...124 Coupe for Europe becomes Challenger next-gen for US?
 
I hope they don't kill off bertone name and just call it fiat design or something similar. Will bertone still be able to design for other companies?
 
bertone-mantide-picture.jpg

Slap a Fiat badge on it, and I'm SOLD.
 
Absolutely a good idea. I'd love to see a Bertone Challenger. :yuck:

On a more serious note, I don't see this as being bad in any way. Bertone gains job security, and Fiat can update their designs from something other than "frumpy". Not sure how this could be resolved with Ferrari & Maserati's long-standing relationship with Pininfarina. I suppose they could always just use both...I think.
 

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