Autoblog

Mercedes mulling Renault-based entry-level X-Class?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Somewhere in between the Smart brand and the all-new A-Class (pictured above), Daimler is said to be readying a smaller entry-level product for the Mercedes-Benz brand to compete with models like the Audi A1. According to AutoBild, Mercedes-Benz will get a new hatchback based on a platform from its recent partnership with Renault-Nissan, and it could be called the X-Class.

Expected to debut by 2018, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class could be offered in sedan, hatchback and crossover variants, and it would likely have a starting price below the $20,000-euro mark. Power would come from either a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder engine or a 1.5-liter inline-four, and the car would likely be built in a low-cost nation in order to make the financials work. Wearing the Mercedes-Benz name, the X-Class would have to exhibit more distinguishable luxury and styling to set itself apart from the models that helped provide its underpinnings.

Mercedes mulling Renault-based entry-level X-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota close to licensing deal with BMW for fuel cell technology

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Toyota

For over a year now, we've been hearing about a potential partnership between Toyota and BMW on everything from sports cars to lithium-ion batteries, but one of the first cooperative projects between these two automakers could bring Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell technology to a BMW vehicle. Reuters is reporting that an announcement is likely to be made as soon as later this week regarding a BMW fuel cell vehicle that could be in production by 2020 with a prototype running around by 2015.

The last we heard of Toyota's fuel cell technology, it was in the FCV-R Concept that we saw at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there is no word how far along in development this system is. If it does come to fruition, such a vehicle for BMW would build on the automaker's commitment to hydrogen that started with the Hydrogen 7, which unlike a fuel cell vehicle, simply ran on hydrogen fuel rather than converting it to electricity for use in motors. We're definitely interested where this Toyota/BMW tie up could be headed.

Toyota close to licensing deal with BMW for fuel cell technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Peugeot

The partnership between General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroën isn't expected to produce any results until 2016, but it has created plenty of news (and speculation) since it was formed back in February. Now, GM is laying out some of the specifics of the deal while Automotive News Europe is reporting plans have been scrapped to produce a shared platform for a midsize sedan.

In "definitive agreements" between the two automakers, GM says that three new vehicle platforms are still on track; one of these will bring a new compact minivan to GM's Opel and Vauxhall brands and a compact crossover to Peugeot, and the other platform will be for B-segment minivans for both entities to share. ANE says that the proposed shared platform for the Opel Insignia and Citroën was canceled due to the lack of a sound business case.

In addition to cars, the joint venture will also be an opportunity for both automakers to develop "high-performance, efficient" gasoline engines and to create joint purchasing to allow both companies to potentially save money (this aspect of the agreement is still pending legal clearance from anti-trust approvals).

GM's official statement is posted after the jump.

Continue reading GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development

GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant

Chris Tutor — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Chery, Tata, Luxury

While the European auto market for Jaguar and Land Rover is waning, Chinese car buyers can't get enough of the British marques. To meet that demand, Tata Motors, parent company of Jag and Land Rover, is partnering with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co.

The two announced plans to invest $1.75 billion to build a new plant and create a new, China-focused brand. 2014 is the target for completion of the factory. Jaguars and Land Rovers built at the facility will be the first ever produced outside the UK according to the Associated Press. The JV will be called Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd.

The announcement comes less than a month after JLR announced it would open a design studio in China. It's not clear from the reports whether the two announcements are part of the same JV or two separate plans.

China requires any company wanting to set up domestic production to partner with a local business. By doing so, JLR avoids a 25-percent tariff on imported cars. Chery benefits from a planned research and development center as well as a chance to "really upgrade its capabilities," according to Bill Russo of Synergistic Ltd. in Beijing.

You can read the official press release below.

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Toyota mulling expansive partnership

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, BMW, Toyota, Diesel

In December of 2011, BMW and Toyota signed an agreement to collaborate on lithium-ion battery development, and the deal included a provision where BMW would small-displacement diesel engines for Toyota products sold in Europe. It was brought up at the time that the partnership could expand further, and seven months later, it apparently has: Reuters reports the two companies "have now agreed several projects" in "other fields of cooperation."

The Reuters report, based on an article in Germany's Der Spiegel, said there were no more specifics but that the two company CEOS would make an announcement "in the near future." A story in Germany's Manager magazine went further, however, citing the same Der Spiegel piece and saying that BMW and Toyota would form an alliance around "joint projects in hybrid technology, fuel cells, vehicle electronics" and lightweight technology.

The announcement isn't surprising - BMW's move into the small, lightweight hybrid space with its forthcoming i sub-brand gives it all the reason to save R&D dollars by teaming up with the company considered the world's green auto leader, and the rumored expansion topics could help replace BMW's partnership with Peugeot, on the rocks ever since the French firm tied up with General Motors' Opel division. We'll know more when an official announcement is made.

BMW, Toyota mulling expansive partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A couple of developments on the recent Jaguar/Land Rover joint venture are being reported in Chinese media based on a report in China's Economic Daily News. The 130,000-capacity factory planned for Jiangsu is epected to mint its first vehicle in 2014, with numbers given for the breakdown so far as: 43,000 Land Rover Freelander 2s, 34,000 Range Rover Evoque models (called the Aurora in China) and, according to Google Translate, "the joint venture brand vehicles of 23,000 Jaguar sedan."

We're not sure if that really means 23,000 Jags will be made, since that would be a six-fold multiplier of Jaguar's 2011 sales in China. The quoted Land Rover production would only be doubling its sales tally from 2011, even though the brand's sales were up 105 percent in Q1 of this year. There will be a separate joint-venture brand created between JLR and Chery as well, so that could be a part of it. Futher on, the plan is for the plant to expand to a capacity of 250,000 units.

More interestingly, the locally-made engines will be JLR's 3.0-liter V6 alongside two Chery motors, a 1.6-liter TGDI turbo and a 2.0-liter TGDI, with plans to "gradually introduce" the Chery engines into the Land Rovers. JLR engineers are said to be moving to China to continue joint development of the TGDI motors, which has apparently been ongoing. Until those are ready, JLR will import its 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter motor.

The report in China's 163.com is also interesting for the regulatory and business context it provides on the joint venture, with government rules mandating the minimum amount of investment and the establishment of R&D centers. The tie-up is said to be a boon to Chery's fortunes in light of the assertion that Chery's "operating conditions are not ideal" and that getting the "core technology" for its own brands had "become the top priority of the project approval." Official approval of the JV is expected later this year.

Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A month ago, Jaguar Land Rover signed a joint-venture agreement with China's Chery Automobile Company. JLR's 12.1 billion yuan ($1.9 billion U.S.) investment, if approved, will pay for a plant in Changsu to build Jaguars, Land Rovers, engines and joint-venture models. The facility will also house a research and development center. Chery has submitted the paperwork to clear the deal with the Chinese government. The agreement must pass muster with the Ministry of Enviroment Protection, after which it will go to the National Development and Reform Commission.

When the agreement was first inked an Indian analyst said, "it will be some time before we see the results," a nod to the fact that government approvals can take a long time. Subaru is an instructive example, having signed an agreement with Chery a year ago. Sources said the deal was ready to be approved last November, but that was the last that has been heard of it - it's still waiting on the necessary signatures.

But JLR has the long view in mind: it sold 38,890 vehicles in China last year - all imported - a figure representing double-digit sales gains for both brands. The proposed factory will have a capacity of 130,000 units, providing a healthy buffer in case the bureaucracy sits on things.

Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

Jaguar Land Rover and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Company have filed paperwork to enter into a joint venture. Under the agreement, the two Tata Motors properties will manufacture both Jag and Land Rover vehicles and engines, as well as a new line of vehicles developed with Chery. The joint venture will also create a research and development lab and sell the products created by the partnership. Land Rover has had its eye on boosting sales the still-growing Chinese market for some time, and the move looks to be a smart first step in that direction. While overall vehicle demand has softened in China, wealthy buyers are still thirsty for status-symbol vehicles like those in the Jaguar and Land Rover portfolios.

Now that both companies have agreed upon the terms, the automakers must get approval from the Chinese government before the joint venture can become official.

Land Rover isn't the first company to jump into bed with Chery. As Automotive News reports, last year Subaru submitted a a deal with the Chinese company to regulators to produce vehicles in the People's Republic. So far, no announcement has been made on that venture's progress.

Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM, Peugeot in "advanced alliance talks"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, GM, Renault, Opel, Citroën, UK

Automotive News is reporting that stories in two other papers, France's La Tribune and England's The Financial Times, assert that General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën are "in advanced talks about an alliance." Neither maker would comment on the stories, but it has been well documented that both are looking to turn around their European operations. Peugeot's parent announced 6,000 job cuts late last year and the immediate cessation of Le Mans racing this year. Opel lost hundreds of millions last year and took on a new CEO with a near-vertical climb ahead based on the prognosis for the European market.

If the talks are concluded in the way reports indicate, Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot would cooperate on projects from developing engines and transmissions to complete models that each could sell. Peugeot already has partnerships with several other automakers, but none are as involved as this one could potentially be. It's understood that no shares in either company would change hands, but a partnership this intense would still require the approval of the Peugeot family.

We wonder if Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot can do together what each can't seem to achieve alone. Sure, Opel could lower its development costs and with a joint model Peugeot could gain less expensive access to wider markets, but can the two different cultures create cars that would serve their respective brands? Suggestions are that talks are far enough along that an agreement, if achieved, could be announced at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

GM, Peugeot in "advanced alliance talks" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo looking for small car partner

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Volvo

There are drawbacks to being the property of a larger conglomerate, to be sure, but there are also benefits. Taking advantage of group buying power, shared developments costs and synergies with products from other divisions, for instance. And these are things that, since splitting off from Ford a couple of years ago, Volvo does not have at its disposal any longer.

That's why the Swedish automaker is looking for a partner with which to share development costs - specifically those attached to developing a new small car range. Volvo is presently preparing to unveil the V40 (teased in the picture above), a new five-door hatchback/sportwagon positioned against the increasingly lucrative market currently dominated by the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

Whatever it is that Volvo needs to get its new projects off the ground and out on the road, apparently parent company Geely, the Chinese automaker that bought Volvo from Ford in 2010, doesn't have it.

Volvo looking for small car partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Chery

Chinese automakers have had a heck of a time trying to crack the crowded European vehicle market, but Chery is hoping to change that in a few years. Automotive News reports that Chery is hoping to take up shop in Europe sometime after 2015.

Chery Deputy General Manager Lu Jianhui reportedly provided the 2015 timeline as the planned date to offer the brand in Europe, but added "we are still focusing on Russia and South America, among others, as our major export markets." Chery is already moving a lot of metal in those emerging markets, with a planned 180,000 vehicles for export in 2011. The automaker hopes to bump that sum closer to one million vehicles before the decade is out.

The 2015 timeline comes after news of a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corp to build three vehicles. The 1.5-billion-euro project would result in vehicles to be sold in China, followed by European sales one year later.

Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CPP-Zagato partnership announcement stops short of full acquisition

Noah Joseph — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Design/Style

Just a few weeks ago, we brought you a report that suggested that CPP had acquired Zagato. The British coachbuilder owned by Vladimir Antonov has gone on a spending spree of late, acquiring Spyker and Land Rover racing specialist Bowler, so the acquisition of the Italian design house would seem to fit nicely into the company's portfolio.

CPP and Zagato have now revealed that their collaboration was already underway as far back as a full year ago with the establishment of a joint venture called CPP Milan. The enterprise was responsible for the design and realization of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato (pictured above), and the tie-up gives the two outfits the kind of concept-to-production capacity that several rival design houses have tried (but largely failed) to establish under one roof.

While the partnership could feasibly lead to a full acquisition, the announcement after the jump stops short of announcing such a deal, leaving the matter up to further speculation.

Continue reading CPP-Zagato partnership announcement stops short of full acquisition

CPP-Zagato partnership announcement stops short of full acquisition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to abandon MI joint-venture plant with Ford

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mazda

Mazda6 s Grand Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

AutoAlliance International is located in Flat Rock, Michigan, and the factory serves as a joint-venture assembly plant for Ford and Mazda. The Blue Oval builds the Mustang, while its Japanese partner churns out the Mazda6. There seems to be a problem, though - at least on Mazda's end of the partnership.

Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), is reporting that Mazda is looking to get out of the venture. According to the report, the automaker will remove itself from the partnership by as early as 2013, sending Mazda6 production back to its Yamaguchi prefecture facilities in Japan. Mazda's profits are understood to be hurting due to the yen-dollar exchange rate, and the Mazda6's less-than-stellar sales volumes in the States can't be helping, either.

Both Ford and Mazda are dismissing the report as speculative, but Mazda admits it has been discussing "future plans" for the facility.

Mazda to abandon MI joint-venture plant with Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat taking Chrysler production back to China within four years

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: China, Chrysler, Fiat

As recently as two years ago Chrysler and Chery were more than cozy and working on Chinese-market products that would eventually make their way this way. Nothing ultimately came of it, but Chrysler hasn't given up on the Chinese dream. Or more accurately, Fiat hasn't given up on the Chinese dream on behalf of Chrysler.

Fiat, which has had its own setbacks in trying to find the right joint venture required to do business in China, is now working with Guangzhou Auto. It isn't clear how or even if Chrysler would immediately try again, since The Pentastar's "models were as popular as Chen Shui Bian towards the end of their tenure."

Another route would be for the Chrysler Group to let Jeep lead the charge, since the Jeep brand and small SUVs are a more welcome option for Chinese buyers. It is inevitable that Chrysler will keep trying to crack the world's largest auto market, and if we were presumptuous enough to suggest a way to do it, we'd only need two words: Dodge Hornet.

[Source: China Car Times]

Fiat taking Chrysler production back to China within four years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault, Rumormill

Despite rumors of Daimler and Renault collaborating on a four-door Smart model, no official tie-up between the two companies has been announced. That could change next year when Daimler will reportedly decide who its small-car partner will be. Daimler is getting even more heavily into the development of small cars, both with its Smart brand and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B Class offerings that might one day make it to America.

Renault is planning a line of ultra-cheap small cars and is putting together a range of electric vehicles that will certainly feature new, small platforms. Like Daimler, the French automaker is talking to other companies about joining forces to save money on developing small cars, so a Daimler-Renault alliance isn't a fait accompli. According to Automotive News, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says the company will announce its chosen partner by the middle of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, GM, Earnings/Financials

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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REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Peugeot

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.

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REPORT: Daimler and BMW decline U.S. transmission joint-venture

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

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.

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Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chery, Fiat

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.

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Tata Nano may be branded a Fiat in overseas markets

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Fiat, Tata

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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