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The auto company that some Americans may still refer to as Chrysler is now part of a conglomerate called Stellantis NV (STLA) based in Amsterdam.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles officially merged with PSA Group, owner of the Peugeot automobile brand, in early 2021. The combination makes Stellantis the world’s fourth-largest automobile maker, with 14 vehicle brands under one roof.
Plans for the merger were announced in 2019 but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time of the merger, Fiat-Chysler vehicle brands included Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati.
PSA Group brands add Citroen, DS, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.
It is not yet certain which of these brands will survive the merger.
- The Chrysler brand is now part of Fiat Chrysler, which merged with the parent company of the Peugeot brand to create a new company called Stellantis.
- Brands under the Fiat Chrysler umbrella include Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati as well as Fiat and Chrysler models.
- Some changes to the lineup can be expected now that the merger is finalized.
Chrysler’s Long Road
It has been a long hard road for Chrysler, the company created in 1925 in Detroit by Walter P. Chrysler.
The company mostly thrived as the third-ranked of the Big Three U.S. automakers until the late 1970s, when it came close to bankruptcy and required a government bailout for the then-impressive sum of $1.5 billion.
The company regained its footing but again entered bankruptcy in 2009, in the midst of the financial crisis of 2008-2009. It emerged under the ownership of the United Auto Works pension fund, the U.S. and Canadian governments, and the Italian auto manufacturer Fiat. Fiat eventually bought out its partners and the company was rebranded Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2014.
Stellantis Subsidiaries
The merger of Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Group hands Stellantis ownership of a number of subsidiaries with a long history of doing business with Fiat or Chrysler.
Comau Robotics
Comau S.p.A. specializes in manufacturing production systems. The company has three main divisions: body assembly, powertrain systems, and robotics. Besides automotive work done for FCA, Comau works with aerospace and alternative energy companies. It is expanding its robotic technology systems into all areas of manufacturing, including food and beverage, electronics, consumer goods, and logistics.
Teksid
Teksid S.p.A. started in 1917 as a foundry for making engine blocks for Fiat. Today, Teksid makes automotive components from iron and aluminum for FCA units and other automobile companies worldwide. Its strength is in engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmissions, and suspension assemblies.
Mopar
Mopar is the original equipment manufacturer and supplier of parts for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicle lines. The company has a full line of parts for repairs, plus a catalog of high-performance parts. It is also the U.S. distributor for Fiat parts.
Mopar is frequently used as a term to describe any car designed and manufactured by Chrysler or its divisions since 1920.
General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were the original “Big 3” U.S. automakers.
Maserati
Maserati S.p.A. is a well-known Italian maker of exotic sports cars and sedans with a shaky financial history. Fiat has been an owner since 1989 and had full control since 1993. Fiat has used partnerships with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo to evolve Maserati into a seller of super-luxury high-performance sedans.