Fiat seeks new partner in China

Italy’s Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. is looking for a Chinese partner to open new sales channels. Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of Fiat Group, said negotiations with several potential Chinese partners is ongoing. Fiat has been in talks with Guangzhou Automobile over technical cooperation. The possible mode of partnership is Fiat’s selling of a car platform to Guangzhou Auto, according to reports. Speaking at an automotive event in New Delhi, Marchionne said Fiat’s goal of reaching 300,000 unit sales in China by 2010 might be delayed. “Perhaps this schedule should be reviewed,” he said, explaining that the Italian company had recently terminated a joint venture in China with Nanjing Automobile and talks were still underway with new partner Chery Automobile. (September 4/9/12, 2008)