Not sure if I'm convinced tbh, but never say never!

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2014/7/20/Are-VW-and-Fiat-Chrysler-Holding-Merger-Talks-7721539/

Hmm interesting but why would VW want to merge? I can see why fiat would but VW are market leaders aren't they?

Highly unlikely I would think - unless VW are thinking of selling off their US operations to raise some cash for survival.
It is rumoured that VW's finances are in a parlous state with the whole group looking at serious pruning of model ranges / platforms and brands to survive. This I believe was revealed following VW's abortive attempt to mount a hostile bid for FCA and refused the finance needed to do it.

Let's assume they DID for a second, might put pay to some minor reliability issues Fiat have had with some of the range over the years? Volkswagen did come top when it came to reliability and build quality (not insulating Fiat don't btw otherwise I wouldn't be here lol), they could pass some of that expertise over? Just a thought?

Re: Fiat-Chrysler and Volkswagen Group to MERGE???��...

^
In my mind the last thing FCA needs is VAG to pass along some of their expertise on quality (TDI, TSI, DSG, etc.)

-Tazio

Re: Fiat-Chrysler and Volkswagen Group to MERGE???��...

This story came up months ago, and I'm sure I read a further article recently that quashed the idea but I can't lay my finger on it right now.

It's not happening. VW aren't in the fine shape they and a few others like to think they are:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/why-volkswagens-secret-plan-buy-fiat-chrysler-failed

As for sorting out Fiat reliability - I'll take a Fiat with a bit of loose trim and a broken bit of wiring over a VW with a blown engine just out of warranty, any day. Yes VW's 'feel' better built, but as for reliability, Fiat actually score higher:

http://www.reliabilityindex.com/manufacturer

Don't believe what you read in Auto Express & What Car where muppets rate a car as unreliable because a door handle stopped working. Take a proper survey like that above where it's measured based on actual warranty claims.

Just love that reliability index.

I would even more like to see a second scale showing the reliability cost.

i.e. fault fix time * labour rates + parts price

Mercedes Blown Light Bulb = £1000
Fiat Blown Light Bulb = £20

(all at dealer rates although I expect a good Fiat dealer will just charge the elevated bulb cost)

s130 said:

Just love that reliability index.

I would even more like to see a second scale showing the reliability cost.

i.e. fault fix time * labour rates + parts price

Mercedes Blown Light Bulb = £1000
Fiat Blown Light Bulb = £20

(all at dealer rates although I expect a good Fiat dealer will just charge the elevated bulb cost)

Click to expand...

You can change the default list to various elements. Fiat is 5th on the cost of warranty claims.

The point about labour costs is a very good one. Even when Fiat used to feature lower down reliability surveys, their saving grace was said to be their low labour rates compared to rivals.

It seems, whilst our servicing costs have risen, Fiat still offer reasonable rates compared to their rivals, whilst improving their overall reliability scores.