GM & FCA Merger: What It Could Look Like

• July 2, 2015
• Story By
  Ali Mansour

One of the biggest stories circulating the interwebs over the past few months has been about the potential for General Motors (GM) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to become one gigantic automotive company. Most sources indicate that this relationship was sought out by FCA head Sergio Marchionne. This doesn’t surprise us as Chrysler has been one of the more promiscuous auto companies over the past decade or so. After bedding with the Germans (Daimler) and then falling for the Italians, maybe a strong American company is just what it needs. Initially, the General downplayed the rumor, pulling the old “we’re just friends” speech about the Italian-American company. Now, it sounds like there might be more to it than either party has officially let on. At this point, it’s all still speculation. However, we think this relationship could get a bit tricky when you look at all the kids (brands) involved. From an off-road enthusiast’s perspective, we worry the most about the Jeep brand. If we recall correctly, the last time GM adapted an off-road brand, it didn’t end well (Hummer, anyone?). On the flip side, Jeep, more specifically the Jeep Wrangler, fills a giant void in GM’s portfolio. In a perfect world, the two would consider each equals in the merger and share technology to create a bright future of automobiles. FCA is pretty dismal on the hybrid/electric car front and GM doesn’t have the off-road and over-the-top Hellcat type vehicles that FCA brings. While we haven’t given a lot of thought to the actual economics of this merger, we have envisioned the potential awesomeness and disasters that could arise from the two being under one roof. We’ve complied what we think are the top five pros and cons to the merger. Although, there could be way more for each. Overall, it could be OK. After all, we do like spaghetti and apple pie. We’re just not sure if we are ready to have them together on the same plate.   Pros

1. FCA would finally have access to GM’s legendary pool of powerful V-8 engines. Since the LS V-8 engine swap is one of the most desired in the Jeep Wrangler community, this could make things a lot easier (or even a factory reality). Don’t get us wrong, you can make power with a Hemi, but pound-for-pound it’s hard to beat the tune-ability and aftermarket support of GM’s most popular power plants.
2. Hummer could actually be revived from the dead. When it comes to off-road prowess, no brand does it better than Jeep. The Hummer brand always had great potential, but the brand was killed off before it was fully realized. Bringing the two brands together could make for an interesting bag of modern 4x4s.
3. Jeep could get rid of some of the products that water down its brand. You know which ones we are talking about.
4. The ¾- and 1-ton Ram could get an Allison 1000 transmission, which would be downright amazing behind the new 900lb-ft of torque Cummins diesel engine.
5. FCA could finally get it together with the hybrid game. Chevy has a portfolio of electric and hybrid technology that could make for some interesting and fuel efficient platforms at FCA. A lightweight electric Wrangler could be a tremendous game changer in the industry.

  Cons

1. GM could kill some of the brands. Goodbye Dodge?
2. GM is clearly not focused-oriented trail-worth 4x4s (remember the whole killing Hummer thing). So, that could spell trouble for Jeep. We don’t see them killing the Wrangler, but they might try and soften it up for the masses.
3. Shared platforms. This could be terrible depending on how it goes. For example, we absolutely love the ¾-ton Ram’s Cummins diesel engine, air suspension and solid front axle. None of those items are part of the GM ¾- and 1-ton lineup. Since the GMC and Chevy share a chassis, we’d be worried that they would want the black sheep to fall in line.
4. FCA would lose its edge. Right now, much of the Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles have a certain freshness and youthfulness about the brands. The Hellcat editions are a great example of the company building things that might not make sense on paper, but ignite a conversation and passion in car enthusiasts.
5. They could revamp the Ram logo and make it wear a bow tie. Not cool, GM. Not cool.

  So, what do you think will come of it all?   (Awesome Photoshopping magic: Ali Mansour)