Chrysler Australia to Distribute Fiat Brands

Chrysler Australia takes over distribution of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands in Australia on May 1.

The transfer from Sydney-based independent distributorship Ateco results from the global strategic alliance formed in 2009 between the Fiat Group in Italy and the Chrysler Group in the U.S.

Fiat withdrew from Australia in 1989 but returned in 2001, while Alfa Romeo was reintroduced in 1997 after a 5-year absence, according to Ateco’s website.

The existing Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealer group, comprising 17 dealerships and 22 commercial-vehicle outlets across the country, will report to Melbourne-based Chrysler Australia. The dealers sold 2,635 Fiat, Fiat Commercial and Alfa Romeo vehicles last year.

“We look forward to re-energizing these brands in the Australian market,” Chrysler Australia Managing Director Clyde Campbell says in a statement.

Models offered on the Australian market include the Alfa Romeo 159, 159 Sportwagon and Giulietta. Fiat models include the 500, Fiat 500 Abarth and Fiat Commercial brands Ducato and Scudo.

Chrysler Australia, which manages the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands, has seen a surge in sales in the last 12 months. The American brand’s combined deliveries increased 27.5% last year, and sales in the first two months of this year are up 78% from like-2011.

Campbell says this bodes well for the future of the Italian brands. “We plan to tap into the inherent talent and expertise of our staff to take the Fiat and Alfa brands to the next level.”