Chrysler Australia to Distribute Fiat and Alfa Romeo in Oz

As rumored recently in the auto media it has been announced by Chrysler Australia that the Australian distribution of the Italian car brands Alfa Romeo and Fiat will be distributed by the local arm of their adopted American parents from May 1st.
This brings the Australian distribution of Fiat passenger, Fiat commercial and Alfa Romeo brands in line with other countries, after Fiat gained a controlling stake in the American brand in 2009 in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis.

It is not expected that there will be any changes to dealerships in the near term, but the company says it expects to "increase the profile and awareness" of the Italian brands under the control of the factory-owned subsidiary.
The brands were previously imported by Ateco who will continue to import the Fiat Groups exotic Ferrari and Maserati brands in the short term.
There are also rumours that this move may see the demise of the Dodge brand in Australia which has seen the Dodge Caliber and Nitro range come to an end with the end of production in USA - The successfull Dodge Journey may be re branded as a Chrysler or Fiat as it is in Europe.