After joining forces with Chrysler, Lancia started to produce the Thema for the European market based on the same platform as the Chrysler 300.

The Thema was close to its final years, but the Italian carmaker was not ready to change it and kept it running until 1995 when it switched to the Kappa lineup.

Based on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo 164 and the Saab 9000, the Lancia Thema was the most luxurious model in Lancia's lineup.

Fiat and General Motors developed a platform for four distinct-looking vehicles: the Saab 9000, Fiat Croma, Alfa Romeo 164, and Lancia Thema.