NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 20, 2009--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that its ratings on U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC (CC/Negative/--) and finance affiliate DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC (CCC-/Watch Dev/--) are not immediately affected by the announcement that Fiat SpA (BBB-/Negative/A-3) may acquire a 35% equity interest in Chrysler as part of a broad alliance. Under the non-binding agreement, no upfront cash will be paid by Fiat to Chrysler. The two companies will share vehicle platforms and Fiat will provide access to its small engine capability. We view Fiat's possible stake and resulting collaboration as just one component of Chrysler's viability plan, which is to be submitted to the U.S. government by Feb. 17. Chrysler would need
