Ferrari and Maserati are moving from their usual showroom floor at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to the Chrysler Group LLC stand, where they will be sharing space between Dodge and Jeep brands.
In the past, the high-end marques have leased real estate in the show’s luxury row with the likes of Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, although last year Ferrari didn’t have a display in Detroit.
But since last year’s auto show in Detroit, Chrysler formed a partnership with Italian automaker Fiat SpA, which is part of the Fiat Group that includes Ferrari and Maserati but also Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Iveco commercial vehicles, and CNH agricultural and construction equipment.
NAIAS spokesman Sam Locricchio confirmed the changes to the floor plan and the Ferrari/Maserati move to Chrysler’s stand.
Chrysler is not hosting a press conference at this year’s show, but expects the new look with the inclusion of some of the most exotic sports cars in its display to generate a lot of interest from the public.
The space is being redesigned so all the brands are presented equally as part of the new corporate Chrysler family.
A Lancia Delta midsize hatchback that will be rebadged as a Chrysler will be included in the Chrysler display. The Fiat 500 subcompact and electric version of the tiny car also will be on display.
Olivier Francois, who heads the Chrysler and Lancia brands, told The Detroit News recently that future products will be developed for both brands, which is possible because they have similar design, performance and target customers.
Conversely, Lancia in Europe will benefit from a rebadged Sebring sedan, he said.
The Fiat 500 will be the first Italian product to be sold by Chrysler when it goes on sale late next year in the U.S.
Ferrari, Maserati and other luxury brands will also be on display in a car gallery set up at the MGM Grand Detroit on Jan. 11-12, Locricchio said.
For $25, viewers can stare at these cars as well as vehicles from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Spyker.
Have you been to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)?
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Source: detnews.com
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