Fiat May Use Grand Cherokee Platform for Alfa Romeo

Chrysler has enjoyed so much success with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee that Fiat (FIATY) may use the vehicle's platform for Alfa Romeo and Maserati models. Chrysler, which is controlled by the Italian company, introduced the new Grand Cherokee earlier in 2010.

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"One of the things that we are now looking at in some detail is the possibility of utilizing this architecture and extending its application for additional products both within Chrysler and outside Chrysler," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, said on a conference call, according to Bloomberg News.

Marchionne said Chrysler is also working on introducing the small, multipurpose Fiat L0 (pronounced "L-zero") to the U.S. "Expect Chrysler products to be made by Fiat and Fiat products to be made by Chrysler," Marchionne said.

Fiat plans to open about 165 franchises in the U.S., with the majority being held by dealers now selling Chrysler brands.