Chrysler CEO Says Lancia Ypsilon Not Coming to the U.S. After All, while Compact Model is “Under Review”

Back in 2009, the Fiat and Chrysler alliance had revealed plans for the U.S. launch of a compact model based on the Lancia Delta in 2012 and a Chrysler-badged version of the Lancia Ypsilon in 2013.

Now it seems that the automaker has changed its strategy. At the New York Auto Show, Chrysler and Lancia brand president Olivier Francois told Car&Driver that the Ypsilon-based Chrysler model is dead for the U.S. as the company believes it is too similar with the Fiat 500, upon which the Lancia subcompact is based on, and could hurt its sales.

For the record, during a recent press event in Turin, Italy, a Lancia official told CoolPictures that the Ypsilon U.S. launch would largely depend on the market's response to the Fiat 500.

Another Lancia product that was also planned for North America is the Delta, showcased at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show with Chrysler badges. Although it was fairly well received by the American public and the company's strategy included a Chrysler-badged version of the Delta for the U.S., Olivier Francois now says the project is “under review” indefinitely (i.e. canceled until further notice).

However, it's possible that Dodge will get the car. Dodge brand president Ralph Gilles confirmed that his marque will definitely get a compact car to replace the Caliber, which could mean Chrysler will be left without the Delta. Gilles said that the Dodge compact sedan will be very fuel-efficient and that it will use Fiat-sourced four-cylinder engines.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

Lancia Could Sell the Ypsilon and Delta in the U.S., Has No Plans to Revive HF Integrale or Fulvia

When announcing the new Ypsilon’s key role in Lancia’s turnaround strategy at a press event CoolPictures attended in Turin, Italy, earlier this week, company officials told us that the small car could be sold in the States under the Chrysler brand if American buyers will show enough interest towards the recently launched U.S.-spec Fiat 500. Furthermore, the same could happen with the Delta.

On the other hand, Lancia's people told us the company has no plans to revive famous nameplates such as the HF Integrale and Fulvia, simply stating that there’s no market for Lancia sports cars.

Although in its current state, the new Ypsilon doesn’t comply with U.S. standards, Lancia Product Manager Claudio Nervi told us that it could be “easily federalized” and that logistically “it's not a problem, as the Ypsilon could be produced at the [Fiat Group’s] Mexican plant”. However, Nervi also pointed out the decision depends “on the performance of the Fiat 500 in the US”.

Should a Chrysler variant of the Ypsilon get the green light, the styling will not be altered. "Changes will be mostly technical, regarding especially the electrics of the car”, Nervi told Coolpictures.

The Chrysler version of the Delta hatchback, which was shown at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show, could also join the Ypsilon in the U.S. According to Claudio Nervi, the show car was well received by the American public, but a final decision has not yet been made.

As far as sports cars are concerned, the news isn't good for Lancia fans. “Lancia stands for comfort, craftsmanship and luxury. We want to grow based on these values”, said Nervi adding that Lancia isn’t “trying to deny it’s past, but it needs volume first”, which cannot be provided by a revived HF Integrale or Fulvia.

Lancia Communications Director Rino Drogo also pointed out that “customer preference has shifted over the years and clients aren’t looking for sporty Lancias anymore”.

“Let’s leave the sports cars for our cousin Alfa Romeo, who has sportiness in its DNA”, Nervi concluded.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________