It looks like Chrysler isn't the only car company trying to partner with China's Chery Auto. The latest reports suggest Fiat is also considering a new deal with Chery that would involve a joint-venture to start building Fiat badged cars in China.
Back in May, Fiat confirmed that it would start building its midsized Alfa Romeo 159 sedan at a plant in Wuhu, just outside of Shanghai, but there was no mention if any other brands were China bound. If this new deal gets the go ahead, Chery will most likely build Fiat's Linea sedan (shown above) in China and supply up to 100,000 engines annually to Fiat's China operations.
Some of the major hurdles Fiat is facing are a lack of suitable suppliers. It's more lucrative for a supplier, both in and outside of China to sell parts to European countries that already manufacture the specific Alfa Romeo and Fiat models. Then there are the issues with reliability and quality levels of Chinese built cars, and until these are addressed we won't be seeing any Fiat models built in China.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JC3 @ Jun 18th 2007 6:44PM
Hope it's better than Chinese toothpaste
bmoredlj @ Jun 18th 2007 7:19PM
Hmm...Audi grille, Chevy Cobalt headlights, Suzuki Forenza character line, Mercedes CL-or-Chrysler Sebring rims...looks as if this was "designed" by Chery as well.
kingvolcano @ Jun 18th 2007 8:12PM
This goes under the catagory of WHY.
Why would they want to associate themselves with a brand that is bound to flounder and drag the Nissan name down?
Why does Robin Williams keep making crappy movies?
Datsun/Goodmorning Vietnam
jgp @ Jun 18th 2007 8:15PM
Merda!
jgp @ Jun 18th 2007 8:15PM
Merda!
Barney @ Jun 18th 2007 8:23PM
"Then there are the issues with reliability and quality levels of Chinese built cars,"'
I seem lost here. Have these issues been publicised?
RWD fan @ Jun 18th 2007 9:54PM
What kind of product can we expect from this unholy alliance? Eccentric Italian design, but completely void of the quirky soul that makes an Italian car cool, and probably assembled by child labor to boot!
Jason @ Jun 18th 2007 10:40PM
All I have to say is when did Fiat start caring about the quality of their cars?
robz4 @ Jun 18th 2007 11:23PM
Hmmm..How do you say FIAT ( Fix It Again Tony ) in chinese?
Gary Lowe @ Jun 18th 2007 11:37PM
I live in China, see Chery cars everyday and read the blogs with customer complaints about their Customer Service, design and quality control. Chery has the second largest number of complaints of all the auto companies doing business in China. But who knows that still might be an improvement for Fiat
Bryan @ Jun 19th 2007 12:50AM
Well the Volvo S40 should be flattered!
ANdy @ Jun 19th 2007 3:51AM
I agree with jgp. Fiat doesn't need any Chinese partner, not with all the new cars coming out. I can't wait for the 500.
rrr @ Jun 19th 2007 11:04AM
Volvo called, they want their design back.
Is this what being Chinese is all about......copying other?
dimitrios @ Jun 20th 2007 7:56AM
Today fiat quality is better than most BRANDS and i guess that hurts, for people who cannot accept this,so move on boys.FIAT MOVING FORWARD.
john-lenny @ Jun 21st 2007 8:28AM
So for everybody who leaves in the stone age years, should know that FIAT stands for FIRST IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY.All brands are heading that way, that is chinese of coarse and thats right, if you cant beat them join them.With good quality control, they will have a winner with the linea,great looking car GOOD LUCK FIAT.(NUMERO UNO)
Bystander @ Jul 2nd 2007 10:02PM
There is a racist guy who always post shit with any Chery news.
Chery is a great company - it doesn't offer the lowest price. Their factories have more modern technology than GM - from Europe and yes, some from the US.
It is an innovative company. GM was not successful in suing Chery - notice how they settle out of court and there has been no more noise from GM.
The QQ is an awesome car for city commute. Chery will go to greatness while the racist guy can only jerk off to dirty magazine.