Lancia to Unveil Chrysler 200-based Model at Geneva Show, may name it Flavia

*The above image is a Carscoop illustration

It appears that all those the rumors regarding future Lancia models are true as the Italian automaker is gearing up for this year�s Geneva Auto Show with several new additions to its line-up.

At the Detroit Motor Show, Fiat Group execs revealed that along with the Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship, Lancia will also unveil its own version of the Chrysler 200. The mid-size model will be offered in both sedan and convertible body styles, and is destined to replace the Sebring in the European market.

�The new Chrysler 200 will come � cabriolet included � to Europe as a Lancia, and Flavia is a very good hint as its possible name,� Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

It is believed that Lancia's version of the Chrysler 200 will feature only a few minor styling tweaks over its American counterpart including a unique grille and Euro-spec bumpers. However, Lancia-Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois told reporters that the Lancia model will gain a manual transmission and a diesel option.

The Chrysler...ization of Lancia will continue with a Town and Country/Voyager-based minivan that will go on sale in 2011 together with the Thema, followed by the 200-based sedan in early 2012.

The Italian company said it hopes the three Chrysler-based models will give Lancia an image boost and generate higher profit margins, as they�re going to be positioned above the Delta, currently the company�s largest offering.

Last but not least, the Geneva Show will mark the debut of the Ypsilon replacement that will hit showrooms in June. Offered for the first time in a 5-door version, Lancia plans to sell 130,000 units a year of the new Ypsilon and boost overall sales to 300,000 vehicles in 2014 from 112,000 in 2009.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

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