That's the day Fiat plans to reveal its 5-year plan for the Chrysler Group, which includes Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. Fiat owns 20 percent of Chrysler and effectively controls the automaker.

We don't know the details yet, but it's already clear Fiat is more sincere about sharing its technology and engineering capability than Mercedes-Benz ever was during DaimlerChrysler's brief and blighted existence.

Here's a rundown of key Fiat technologies Chrysler should get:

MULTIAIR VALVE CONTROL

The award-winning valve-control system can reduce fuel consumption 10 percent to 25 percent and cut emissions 40 percent to 60 percent. Multiair uses electronic and hydraulic controls to vary an engine's valve timing and run more efficiently.

Multiair also improves torque, so you can replace existing engines with smaller ones without harming a vehicle's performance.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde subcompact sport coupe's 1.4-liter Multiair engine produces 170 horsepower and gets 41 mpg in European tests.

The system can be added to most of Chrysler's current engines relatively simply and inexpensively.

SMALL-DISPLACEMENT ENGINES

Fiat builds a wide range of engines smaller than anything Chrysler has. Chrysler's engine plant in Dundee could build four-cylinder engines from a Fiat family that includes displacements as small as 1.2 liters.

The Dundee plant's current production ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 liters. Those engines, developed jointly with Hyundai and Mitsubishi while Chrysler was part of DaimlerChrysler, have been a disappointment in terms of power, refinement and fuel economy.

Multiair should be a key component of the new engines. Complementary technologies like turbocharging and direct injection of gasoline can raise power and reduce fuel consumption even more.

DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS

Chrysler transmission development was decimated by the DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus regimes. The automaker's Mercedes-derived five-speed automatic functions adequately in big vehicles, like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Ram pickup, but Chrysler canceled a joint venture with Getrag that was to produce dual-clutch automated manual transmissions for smaller models.

Dual-clutch transmissions combine the mechanical components of a manual gearbox with the shifting of an automatic to boost fuel economy. Chrysler needs Fiat's upcoming dual-clutch gearbox, but may have to modify it or come up with another alternative for midsize models.

DIESEL

Fiat's fuel-efficient diesel engines should be a key part of Chrysler's lineup. Fiat is a world leader in the technology, which can cut fuel consumption 30 percent versus a comparable gasoline engine.

Fiat has a strong motivation to get Americans to buy more diesels as an alternative to hybrids, in which it has little expertise. In addition, the diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs Chrysler built during its alliance with Daimler have a loyal following.

Watch for Fiat to promote its diesels for Jeeps and Dodge and Chrysler passenger cars.

A rumored plan to replace the Cummins diesel in Dodge Ram trucks with a Fiat engine is more problematic. The Cummins name is solid gold with truckers, and the engine-maker's badge on Ram heavy-duty pickups is a major asset for the Ram.

CONNECTIVITY

Fiat was the first automaker to develop a system with Microsoft to provide hands-free operation of devices like mobile phones and iPods.

Ford dominates the U.S. market for this feature with Sync, but Fiat's expertise can help Chrysler catch up.

In Europe, Fiat uses the software to provide some features Ford does not offer here, including a nifty online community called Ecoville, where drivers compete to be the most fuel efficient in real-world driving.

While Ford's system has the snappy and intuitive name of Sync, Fiat calls its European application Blue & Me. Chrysler should come up with a more understandable and appealing name for the nifty feature.

Fiat should also reveal many of the vehicles in Chrysler's future lineup Nov. 4. We'll take a look at some of the possibilities and perils therein before the announcement.