Chrysler , which has previously announced it is open to partnerships with other automakers, is working hard to achieve these goals, recent reports find. It is apparently talking with India’s Tata Motors to sell a version of its Jeep Wrangler there and in nearby markets, while also making good on earlier rumors to build Fiat and / or Fiat-group vehicles in North America, including Alfa Romeo .
The Fiat deal would likely involve Chrysler leasing out its production facilities or part of their capacity to produce the Italian firm’s vehicles as well as helping with the dealer network in the U.S. market, as per sources cited in the U.K.’s Guardian daily. Fiat-owned Alfa Romeo has been looking to set up a North American production facility since last year, so it’s likely at least some of its products could be built by Chrysler. Either way, Fiat is expected to announce exactly how it will return to the U.S. market by the end of 2008.
Chrysler is also in talks with Tata about producing an electric version of the Indian automaker’s Ace mini-truck, although these talks are still in early stages.
In the meantime, a Tuesday announcement saw Fiat and Tata form a partnership, with Fiat agreeing to handle the financing of Tata’s newly acquired Jaguar and Land Rover brands after Ford ’s finance firm left. On the flip-side, Tata would let Fiat sell it’s ultra-affordable Nano small car in Europe.
