The initial move of the Italian group to get a hold of Chrysler and Opel is seen by analyst as a step to have a global presence. Experts though see the inking of the Chrysler deal as the weakest link in the chain of strategic maneuvers done recently by Fiat.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat, forecasts about six automakers to be out of business as the haze of the global credit crunch clears in the future. He foresees only a few European brands surviving the financial crisis. Fiat is aiming to buy out as many car industry players as possible.

The Fiat-Opel deal is among its great desire but sees the tie up with the PSA as a move with a better potential. The “better potential” translates to a combined sale of about 7 million units.

Closing the deal with PSA though may not come as easy as thought. The first major stumbling block is the status of the PSA of Peugeot and Citroen which recently received 3 billion Euros in aid from the French government. Another thing to look at is the list of companies which tried to form a partnership with the car manufacturer but without any success. PSA wants to operate independently.

The Fiat CEO may consider other brands of General Motors if the deals with Opel and PSA both fail. The particular GM brand being targeted is the Swedish line Saab.