Fiat to get stake in Chrysler; work to begin on new fuel-efficient platform

Chrysler’s ENVI line of concepts – Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Circuit EV

Wondering what Chrysler’s newly-announced bankruptcy means for its current green initiatives? So are we. According to the latest information we could get our grubby mitts on, Fiat is slated to get a 20 percent share of the new Chrysler, with another 15 percent distributed in three 5 percent increments for meeting the following goals: creating a U.S.-built 40-mpg vehicle platform, providing a U.S.-built fuel-efficient engine family and giving Chrysler access to global distribution network.

This arrangement with Fiat could mean that a number of the Italian automaker’s most fuel efficient small cars make it into the American market through Chrysler’s dealer network. According to Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler (for now), “It enables us to better serve our customers and dealers with a broader and more competitive line-up of environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient high-quality vehicles.”

Further, while it’s too early to say what the bankruptcy filing will do the the timing of the automaker’s first EV, Green Car Advisor was able to speak with some “Chrysler insiders” who suggested that the automaker’s ENVI program was still moving forward as planned this morning. In any case, we expect more details to come to the fore in the coming days. See Chrysler’s latest press release after the break.

Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV