Confirmed: Fiat in talks with Chrysler to build Alfa Romeos for U.S.

Followup [5/27]: Alfa Romeo brand chief Luca de Meo officially confirmed this weekend his company has been in talks with Chrysler about cooperating on U.S. production. The comments were made during an interview with Germany's WirtschaftsWoche. Rumors about Chrysler producing Alfa Romeo cars first broke in April, but this is the first official confirmation we've heard.



Original Story [4/15]: It seems Chrysler is desperately trying to form allegiances and partnerships with other automakers in order to be profitable again, as it partnered up with Nissan on Monday to produce a full-size pick-up for the Japanese automaker in exchange for a small car, with the two companies basically trading products each has traditionally excelled at. The latest move, although it is far from being confirmed, has the Michigan-based carmaker in talks of a cooperation with Italy's Fiat to produce Alfa Romeo sports cars on U.S. soil. Alfa announced late last month it will have a U.S. factory picked out by the end of May.

Fiat has also made headlines lately as it is fixing on bringing its new 500 Stateside. If not Alfas, then maybe Chrysler will build Fiats? Or both? Whatever the case, a report due for release on Wednesday in Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper says talks between Chrysler and Fiat are advanced.

"Handelsblatt has learned Chrysler could produce the cars for Fiat subsidiary Alfa Romeo," read and excerpt in the paper on Tuesday. "Industry sources say the talks are moving forward."

Fiat reps wouldn't comment, but according to the report, a Chrysler spokeswoman goes on record to say news of the talks are just speculation, adding "There could be other partnerships with other carmakers."