Report: Chrysler Mulls Fiat/Iveco Sourced Sprinter Replacement | Motortrend News & Auto Blog - Wide Open Throttle

Following an announcement made by Mercedes-Benz that it will cease to contract its Sprinter commercial van to Chrysler's Dodge brand at the start of 2010, an Automotive News report has Chrysler looking towards Fiat for a replacement vehicle.

Chrysler's Senior Vice-President of Communications Gualberto Ranieri has told Automotive News that the two vehicles under consideration are the Fiat Ducato (pictured) and Iveco Daily. The Ducato is slightly smaller than most Dodge Sprinters, while the Iveco Daily is approximately the same size. Iveco is a commercial vehicles company based in Italy and owned by Fiat.

"Chrysler Group, together with Fiat and Iveco, are analyzing the possibility," said Ranieri.

Ranieri also stated that should either vehicle end up in the U.S., it would "certainly not have the Fiat badge," maintaining earlier statements that the only Fiat-branded vehicle currently slated for North America is the sub-compact 500 hatchback.

Mercedes will revoke Sprinter contracts with around 350 Chrysler dealers at the start of next year, adding Sprinter sales to 120 Mercedes dealerships around the U.S.