Chrysler halts talks with Great Wall Motor

Chrysler LLC has suspended talks with China’s Great Wall Motor Co. on a potential tie-up in distribution and auto parts manufacturing in China. Media reports said the talks were halted because of “recent economic conditions” and discussions would resume once conditions stabilize. Chrysler’s agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is also on the rocks. The Japanese company said in February that it may break off its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with Chrysler when the contract comes up for renewal in 2010. (February 18/ March 13, 2009)