Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It has been a busy week at General Motors. The week started off with CEO Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation, then executives converged on the LA Auto Show where Bob Lutz was the keynote speaker and then the U.S. market Chevy Cruze was revealed. Now, the General is reportedly deep in negotiations halfway around the world with its Chinese partner, SAIC, to sell its partnership stake in what is now the largest auto market in the world.

Here is how the deal will reportedly break down: According to Reuters, GM will give SAIC a scant one percent of its interest in the China venture and 50% of GM's India operations. In exchange, the General would receive what amounts to about 20% of the value of the China venture. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal considering the fact that GM isn't exactly a big player in the Indian market - but there is a very big downside. If GM cedes one percent of its joint venture with SAIC, then the Detroit, MI-based automaker would no longer control its China operations. The rumored deal will contain a proviso that the General can later buy back its lost percentage for a "premium price." That sounds a little like GM just got a loan from SAIC and put up one percent of its ownership as collateral.

While GM currently has over $40 billion in its cash coffers courtesy of its recent bailout and bankruptcy, The General is in a big hurry to pay back the money it owes the government. It also has to contend with what is still a very soft auto market - not to mention Opel restructuring costs that could tally $5 billion or more. But China is also a monster part of GM's business plan, so any money gained from this deal could come at an even greater cost. We have to wonder if this deal had anything to do with Mr. Henderson's abrupt exit stage left...

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A couple of years ago, BMW said it wanted out of the joint engine game with Peugeot. Today, not only are the two companies still sharing powerplants - the PSA engines that go in the Mini and Pugs like the 207 - but BMW's head has recently stated that the automaker is considering sharing small car platforms with PSA. To that, PSA head Phillipe Varin has gone a step further, saying he'd also like to extend the agreement to things like purchasing, transmissions, and HVAC units.

The quest for Peugeot is to find a way to remain independent to continue to make money doing it. The French automaker expects an operating loss of up to €1.5 billion ($2.25B U.S.) this year, which is less than expected. But the company foresees a return to black next year, and part of the strategy for that would be lowering costs through tie-ups, such as its deal to sell rebranded Mitsubishi i-Mievs.

Nevertheless, it will be BMW that needs to see sense in a stronger PSA union. Items like HVAC units and transmissions - when they work - are anonymous; no one knows or really cares where they come from. As for powertrains, the German firm has spoken before of wanting to lower development costs, especially in the area of small engine development which could help it with its numerous small car initiatives.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bimmerbmwjoint ventureJointVenturepeugeo citroenPeugeoCitroenpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroentechnology sharingTechnologySharingTue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Daimler and BMW decline U.S. transmission joint-venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-daimler-and-bmw-decline-u-s-transmission-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-daimler-and-bmw-decline-u-s-transmission-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-daimler-and-bmw-decline-u-s-transmission-joint-venture/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Daimler AG is one of a shrinking number of automakers that continues to build its own transmissions, but the parent of Mercedes-Benz is now looking to change that. The automaker has been holding talks with rival BMW about possible powertrain collaborations including transmissions. Mercedes already supplies the two-mode hybrid transmissions that BMW is installing in its forthcoming ActiveHybrid X6. However, a proposal to build a joint factory to produce automatic transmissions in the U.S. for the vehicles being built by both companies here has reportedly been scuttled.

Automotive News also reports that a second proposal to shift Daimler's European transmission operations to a new joint venture with BMW and ZF has also been abandoned. The two automakers had been discussing a jointly developed eight-speed automatic transmission but could not agree on technical details.

Mercedes is still looking for ways to offload its transmission operations, saying that it is not core to its business. This will be increasingly true if more of its vehicles switch to electrified powertrains where single speed reduction gears are all that is required. The two companies are still discussing collaborations on engines, however, including a new three-cylinder unit.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Daimler and BMW decline U.S. transmission joint-venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaimlerDaimler AGDaimler-AGDaimlerAgjoint ventureJointVenturemercedesMercedes Benzmercedes-benzmercedes-bmw-transmission collaborationMercedes-bmw-transmissionCollaborationMercedesBenzoutsourceoutsourcingWed, 14 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/#commentsFiled under: ,



The global economic recession has officially slowed Fiat's Big Love-style partnerships, as the Italian automaker's deal with Chery to produce models for the Chinese market has been put on hold. In August 2007, the two companies agreed on a 50/50 joint venture to produce 175,000 vehicles per year beginning in 2009. Chery spokesman Jin Yibo said that vehicle production "won't happen this year" and no date has been given for Fiat and Chery to begin building vehicles for China.

While global auto sales have taken a huge hit, the Chinese market has proven more resilient. The land of the Great Wall actually sold more cars and trucks in January and February than the United States. Given the upbeat car market in China, delaying the joint venture may sound a little strange. Fiat could be delaying the partnership to concentrate on its potential partnership with Chrysler, which would bring the Italian Automaker back into the (usually) lucrative US market.

[Source: Wall St. Journal]

Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychinafiatjoint ventureJointVentureMon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata Nano may be branded a Fiat in overseas markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view more images of the Tata Nano

Fiat and Tata already have a joint venture to distribute commercial vehicles. If they can do the big stuff, why not the little stuff? Tata and Fiat are looking at an agreement to sell the Tata Nano outside of India in markets where Fiat has a strong presence.

If the deal goes through, and once the car is upgraded to meet Western standards, Tata can take advantage of the Fiat name, marketing, and dealer network. Fiat would probably have a big seller on its hands -- and a slice of every one -- since the car is still expected to maintain a healthy price advantage even after it gets beefed up.

The Tata, however, is not expected to come to the U.S. as a Fiat. Ratan Tata said, ""We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence." Frankly, America isn't one of those places yet. With Tata making such a big splash over here with Jaguar, they probably wouldn't need Fiat to help the brand. Still, the thought of a Fiat 500 and a Nano snuggling in the corner of a dealership would be too cute to miss. Thanks for the tip, Yash!

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Economic Times via The Earth Times]



Tata Nano may be branded a Fiat in overseas markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat and Nanjing may have divorced their marriage on passenger cars, but that shouldn't affect their offspring. Following Fiat's withdrawal from its joint venture with the Chinese automaker, production of three current Fiat models at the Nanjing plant is expected to continue.

With demand for the Sino-Italian cars slowly dwindling, Nanjing Fiat Auto was expected to continue production in the short term only to satisfy orders placed, and the manufacturing of spare parts to support the service of the cars already sold will also continue for years to come. However, recent reports indicate that as part of its divorce with Fiat, Nanjing acquired the rights to continue building the Palio Weekend wagon, Siena sedan and Perla (a larger sedan having been developed in China and based on the Siena platform) under a different badge. Component suppliers in China report that they have received no cancellation on shipments to the assembly plant, so they're expecting to continue on with business as usual.

[Source: Automotive News Europe (sub. req'd) via Italiaspeed]

Business as Usual: Nanjing will continue building Fiats post-divorce originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuefiatjoint ventureJointVenturenanjingperlaproductionsaicshanghaiMon, 31 Dec 2007 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-merger, Fiat ditches Nanjing joint venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hot on the heels of Nanjing Auto's merger with SAIC, Fiat has announced it has pulled out of the automotive joint venture it had embarked upon with Nanjing.

The Sino-Italian operation had been a money-losing enterprise for years. Fiat says that Nanjing failed to live up to its commitments to the joint venture after the Chinese auto group took over MG Rover, and that the divorce will enable the Italian automaker to re-strategize its business in China. Fiat is expected to partner instead with Chery Automobiles, which just announced another joint venture with Israel Corp. Fiat and Chery are in the process of setting up another joint venture to produce 175,000 cars annually starting in 2009, and leading to the introduction of Fiat Group division Alfa Romeo to the Chinese market.

The separation affects only the cooperation between Fiat and Nanjing on the production of passenger cars, and doesn't have any bearing on Fiat's truck-building division, Iveco, which cooperates with Nanjing to build vans and with Nanjing's new parent company SAIC on trucks, the two relationships will continue unhindered.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Post-merger, Fiat ditches Nanjing joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apparently the partnership between Suzuki and Nissan is one that both sides like. So much so that they are already discussing additional future collaborations. We have already reported about the Suzuki-built, Nissan-badged Moco minicar, the Nissan-built, Suzuki-badged Jimny from Thailand, and then the sharing of another minicar for Europe in exchange for Suzuki getting a Nissan minivan to fill capacity at its Indian factory.

According to this new Forbes item, Nissan Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp are now considering joint production to expand their ties in emerging markets. Russia and Brazil, in particular, were reported production sites.

Back in June the two firms decided to jointly build vehicles for the domestic market, while Suzuki would produce small vehicles in India for Nissan starting in 2008. The newest proposition has Nissan Co. producing Suzuki-badged vehicles at a new Nissan plant in St Petersburg, Russia. That plant won't start up until 2009, but with its annual capacity of 50,000 units, it could handle at least three midsize models.

Suzuki already sends SUVs from Japan and builds small cars at its plant in Hungary for export to Russia. They pulled out of the Brazilian market in 2003, however. Nissan, on the other hand, has been assembling vehicles in Brazil since 2001, including pickup trucks and SUVs.

[Source: Forbes]

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Nissan and Suzuki mulling more partnerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilcollaborationHungaryIndiajoint ventureJointVentureminicarMocorebadgedRussiaTue, 24 Oct 2006 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[General Motors and Isuzu to build pickups together]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/13/general-motors-and-isuzu-to-build-pickups-together/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/13/general-motors-and-isuzu-to-build-pickups-together/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/13/general-motors-and-isuzu-to-build-pickups-together/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

General Motors and Isuzu Motors Ltd. will get together for another joint venture to start developing new pickups together for emerging markets.  The JV, called LCV Platform Engineering Corp., has worked together successfully before on pickup development and production, and despite GM having sold off much of its Japanese investments (Isuzu, Suzuki, Subaru, etc.), the company says the work it has done with Isuzu to develop and produce pickups should continue due to its success in the past.

LCV Platform Engineering Corp. is a 50-50 joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu based in Fujisawa, Japan. The arrangement and accompanying facilities should be ready to go in September of this year.

[Source: Associated Press via the Detroit Free Press]

General Motors and Isuzu to build pickups together originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isuzujapanjoint ventureJointVentureJVpickupsTue, 13 Jun 2006 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to co-develop and sell hybrids with Suzuki in North America?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/12/gm-to-co-develop-and-sell-hybrids-with-suzuki-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/12/gm-to-co-develop-and-sell-hybrids-with-suzuki-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/12/gm-to-co-develop-and-sell-hybrids-with-suzuki-in-north-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Color us confused. General Motors recently divested itself of the vast majority of its Suzuki stock, and the two have been severing ties left and right, including official word on Chevrolet of Japan's fortunes in Suzuki's network earlier today. But in contrarian fashion, Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun is reporting that the two automakers are planning on jointly developing hybrid vehicles with an eye toward North America in 2009.

The vehicles are said to be in the SUV mold (crossovers?) with engines in the three-liter size range.

Is this a credible rumor? As we said, it strikes us as more than a bit odd given recent events, but it might not be a bad shake for either manufacturer (and GM still holds a three percent stake in 'Zuki), so all bets are off.

[Sources: AFX News Limited via Forbes; AMotor.no]

GM to co-develop and sell hybrids with Suzuki in North America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0-literco developCoDevelophybridjoint ventureJointVentureMon, 12 Jun 2006 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to team with Chery for new small car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/chrysler-to-team-with-chery-for-new-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/chrysler-to-team-with-chery-for-new-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/chrysler-to-team-with-chery-for-new-small-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Automotive News, Chrysler is considering striking a deal with Chinese automaker Chery to build a new small Dodge or Chrysler for the international market. A meeting between Chery President Yin Tongyao and Chrysler executives is rumored for Friday, May 5.

If Chery does end up assembling a mini-Chrysler product, U.S. car buyers won't see it. But Chrysler is talking to other companies, including Volkswagen, about building a U.S.-market small car. Whichever automaker gets the nod will have to provide a proven small car platform for Chrysler's design.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]

Chrysler to team with Chery for new small car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheryjoint ventureJointVenturemini carminicarsmall carvolkswagenThu, 04 May 2006 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda3 production grinds to halt in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda3-production-grinds-to-halt-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda3-production-grinds-to-halt-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda3-production-grinds-to-halt-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Just one month after going on sale in China, Mazda's joint-venture plant that produces the Mazda 3 has fallen silent. While the Chang'an Ford Motors Corp facility isn't  releasing the official reason for the cessation, analyst Hu Song of Haitong Securities Co. Ltd. believes the situation is the result of " believe it is the result of "a split on the production and sales channel between Chang'an Ford Motors Corp and FAW Mazda sales company during their consolidation of the Chinese market." Uh-huh. That's exactly what we figured, too.

There is no word or timetable on if or when production is set to resume.

[Sources: The Shanghai Daily; Mazda]

Mazda3 production grinds to halt in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chang'anHaitongjoint ventureJointVentureMazdaMazda3Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran grinds Renault joint-venture to a halt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/iran-grinds-renault-joint-venture-to-a-halt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/iran-grinds-renault-joint-venture-to-a-halt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/iran-grinds-renault-joint-venture-to-a-halt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Iran is putting a crimp in Renault's plans. The French automaker had teamed up with the nation as part of a joint-venture to build the bare-bones Logan (L90), but now finds itself in a bind as authorities in Tehran have nixed the plan, apparently over a disagreement over the export futures of the car.

Renault has pledged to work with the Iranian government to resolve the problems, as some $800-million worth of contracts with local firms hang in the balance, but the future of the vehicle and the jobs involved in its creation are unclear.

In a time where Iran is under increasing pressure from the rest of the world to come clean about its nuclear efforts, this development threatens to further harm the controversial country's standing in global commerce circles.

[Sources: Motoring.co.za; Renault]

 

Iran grinds Renault joint-venture to a halt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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