Fiat could expand its current relationship with Suzuki, even as the Japanese automaker works out the details of a messy divorce from partner company Volkswagen.
“We’re going to continue to work with Suzuki, and move forward with them,” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. “I have a very good relationship with the Suzuki family. They are a small company but they make money. They are gutsy. I admire that.”
Currently, Fiat provides diesel engines for Suzuki’s Indian-market vehicles, an arrangement that Volkswagen claims to be a violation of its partnership with the Japanese company. Suzuki, which has alleged that its partner denied it access to key technologies, has initiated arbitration proceedings against Volkswagen at the ICC International Court in London. Experts say the issue could take as long as two years to resolve.
In the meantime, though Volkswagen has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Alfa Romeo, Marchionne has stated that Fiat is unlikely to sell the storied brand.
“I meet with [VW chief Martin Winterkorn] from time to time, and it’s true he came to me and said he was interested in buying Alfa, but I just told him it is not on the cards now,” said Marchionne. “Alfa in VW’s hands would not be Alfa.”
References
1.’Fiat boss eyes…’ view
