You make great points and
You make great points and none is sadder than what Fiat has done... or not done with Lancia. Lancia were the Maseratis of this world. Luxurious, could race and had style. Come to think, Fiat also brought Maserati down to its feet with it using Ferrari platforms and engines. But you're right, Marchionne has done one good thing, he brought back Fiat from irrelevancy. That's not a small task. But I fear for Alfa.
I love the point you make about if your Alfa breaks down, at least you can admire it. Mine rarely break down, but when they do, at least I had fun behind the wheel. Sadly also, I don't have as much fun behind the wheel of a German manufacturer. Yes, they're great cars but have no charisma. A BMW officer from the 70s once said if their cars were as great as Alfa Romeos, they wouldn't need to spend so much money on marketing :)
In one sense though, the Audi group has done a good job with the Lamborghini brand. At least, they work better and the quality has gone up but I'm sure the handling is not Italian. I would still like to see them have a go at reviving Alfa Romeo then sell it back again... The Tata idea is intriguing and you're right, Tata has done a good job with Rover. I don't think they've done nearly as good a job as I wish to have seen for Jaguar, but maybe time will change my mind.
Great points. Thanks, Nicolas