Chrysler 2010 Annual Report Download - page 104

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For Alfa Romeo, 2010 was the year of the Giulietta, which was premiered at the Geneva Motor Show and was
progressively rolled out to all the major markets from May. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, released on the brand’s
100th anniversary, offers the maximum in performance and technology: from its engines, which represent the
state-of-the-art in technology, performance and respect for the environment, to its new compact architecture
complete with sophisticated suspension systems, active dual-pinion steering, high-quality materials and
advanced production technologies. In September, two new versions of the Giulietta were also presented: one
powered by a 140 hp 2.0 JTDM turbo-diesel, offering low fuel consumption and emissions levels, and the other
by a 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir combined with the innovative automatic Alfa TCT (the latest generation dual dry clutch
transmission), available from the beginning of 2011. The Giulietta was awarded 5 stars for safety by Euro NCAP
(scoring 87/100) and the Unione Italiana Giornalisti dell’Automotive (UIGA) named the car “Auto Europa 2011”.
During the year, Alfa Romeo also offered the “Alfa TCT” transmission on the MiTo and launched the new
Blackline Collection of the MiTo, as well as the 2011 model year 159, with restyled interior and an expanded
selection of options packages. In June, the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary with 4 days of celebrations
that involved the City of Milan, Fiera Milano, the Monza race circuit and the Alfa Romeo museum. Attending the
event were some 3,000 classic cars from 45 countries.
In anticipation of the major new product launches scheduled for 2011, in 2010 Lancia enriched its existing
product line-up with the presentation of the special series Hard Black Delta, featuring several style and content
enhancements, a Delta equipped with a highly responsive Euro 5 MultiAir Turbo and Start&Stop as standard,
the limited edition LPG/gasoline Ypsilon ELLE and the Musa “5th Avenue” with elegant trim and interior styling.
Fiat Professional completed the launch of the new Doblò Cargo both inside and outside of Europe, expanding
the model’s range to offer two new versions: a 120 hp 1.4 liter Turbo Natural Power and a 90 hp 1.6 liter with
MTA transmission. In September, the model was awarded “International Van of the Year 2011” at the Hanover
International Motor Show by a panel of automotive sector journalists from 24 countries. Fiat Professional also
expanded the Fiat Scudo line-up to include the new Euro 5 165 hp 2.0 MultiJet and launched the 2011 model
year Fiorino.
There were major developments in the environmental arena during the year including introduction of the
eco:Drive software for Natural Power (CNG/gasoline) vehicles, which utilizes the Blue&Me system to quantify
the environmental and cost benefits of using CNG fuel. Also of note was the Fiat 500 EV project (in alliance with
Chrysler Group). Following its debut at the Detroit Motor Show at the beginning of 2010, the prototype vehicle
was also exhibited in the pavilion for electric vehicles at the Bologna Motor Show. This zero-emissions vehicle
will be launched in the United States at the end of 2012.
During the year, research and innovation activities focused on further improving leadership in time-to-market
through the application of numerical simulation tools and methodologies to models currently in development.
There were several important initiatives to increase proprietary know-how in specific aspects of ergonomics
and Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) with the objective of also acquiring leadership positions in these areas
to complement the Group’s recognized position in passive safety and CO2 emissions. Additionally, there was
continued focus on standardization of vehicle systems and components aimed at reducing costs, improving
quality and reducing the technical complexity of products, on the introduction of latest generation active safety
systems (i.e., on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta) and on new configurations for sensors and climate management
systems to improve detection of conditions in the vehicle interior.
Also of note was the sharing of certain vehicle architectures with Chrysler Group. Initial activity relating to
the principal mechanical elements of vehicles, such as the chassis and suspension systems, and certain
components, including seating and on-board telematics, was extended during the course of the year to also
include minor components and systems.