Own a Volkswagen? Get $1,000 from Chrysler – Trade-In or Not!

Fiat and Volkswagen have been going through a public feud in Europe, due to the fact that there is a large financial crisis going on there.  The effects of the crisis can mean manufacturing over-capacity.  Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne is currently president of the ACEA (basically the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association).  VW has repeatedly called for Marchionne to resign.  However, Marchionne and VW CEO, Martin Winterkorn “buried the hatchet” last year at the Paris Motor Show.

The rivalry may not be completely buried, as Chrysler is offering $1,000 to current VW owners and/or lessees.  Since Fiat owns 58% of Chrysler, you get the connection.  Unlike most programs, this doesn’t even require owners to trade in their VW!  The offer applies to most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/SRT/Ram/Fiat products, excluding the VW Routan.  Why the Routan?  Because it is essentially a Chrysler Town & Country with a VW badge on it.  You have until January 2, 2013 to make use of this offer.  All you need to do is go to your local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/SRT/Fiat dealer and show them your proof-of-ownership/lease papers and get the cash.

Fiat only holds a skimpy 6.4% of the European car market, while Volkswagen holds a massive 24.5% of the European car market.  However, the tables are turned on Volkswagen in the U.S., where they hold a tiny 4.0% of the U.S. car market, while Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/SRT/Ram/Fiat holds 11.4% of the total U.S. car market.  Is this a sign that Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/SRT/Fiat is struggling in the U.S.?  Nope, Chrysler has sold almost 375,000 units of every model that is currently offered in the U.S., and earned $381 million dollars in this quarter alone.