It’s been about four months since Fiat and Mazda announced that they would share the next generation’s MX-5/Miata platform. Each company would develop its own version of the rear-wheel drive roadster, using its own powertrains and distinctive design.
After the announcement, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said that he is open to discussions for a much deeper collaboration with the Hiroshima-based manufacturer, as his company “will continue to look at bilateral arrangements”.
Only a few days later, Fiat Chairman John Elkann said the Italian carmaker has no plans to buy a stake in Mazda during a shareholders meeting.
At the Paris Auto Show, though, Marchionne left several options open: “Everything is possible. We’ve just started. We’ve signed the deal, we’ve visited the plants. Let’s take it one day at a time. We’re open to any solutions that lessen capital outlays.”
Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said that he expects the program to go as planned. Furthermore, he told Wards Auto that he expects Ford, which still holds a 2.11 percent stake in the company, to sell it eventually.
Yamanouchi commented that nothing is off limits; including his company’s proprietary SkyActiv petrol and diesel engine technology, adding that he is willing to share SkyActiv “as long as it benefits the Mazda brand”.
A tie-up would probably be beneficial to both automakers. Yamanouchi said that the areas he would be interested in collaborating with Fiat are “technology and regions”.
He explained that a possible deal could include sales and distribution agreements of another form of cooperation that would help Mazda expand its presence in more markets. Mazda is interested in India, Africa and South America – especially Brazil, where Fiat is very strong.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Hat tip to Bruno R.!
11 Comments:
Yamanouchi commented that nothing is off limits; including his company’s proprietary SkyActiv petrol and diesel engine technology, adding that he is willing to share SkyActiv “as long as it benefits the Mazda brand”.
Hipster AlfaRomeo, doing skyactive-type exhaust before it was cool.
FIAT has Multiair, I don't think they need a long 4-2-1 exhaust that bad....Also they have 2.0 JTD 170 single turbo, no need for another turbo and another 200cc.....
Never say never. Marchionne: "We’re open to any solutions that lessen capital outlays". It's easy to see the Skyactiv-MT being of interest to Alfa, given it's extraordinarily short shift throws.
The big problem with the JTD family is the licencing of core intellectual property from GM, not sustainable if your now in alliance with Chrysler. The problem with MultiAir is it has a bleak future R&D wise, as it's achieved what it set out to do, improve efficiency of the very basic FIAT FIRE engine. It's interesting to see no mention of sharing/licensing MultiAir outside of FIAT.
In any event Alfa have agreed to use the chassis part of Skyactiv, kudos to Mazda for pulling that off. The Japanese wooing the Italians, the new cool.
DON'T YOU DARE CHANGE THE DESIGN FOR THE PRODUCTION MODEL! It's perfect now!
Every time I see an Alfa post, all I think is 4C.
I know I would buy The Fiat and not the Mazda..
Thank you so much for sharing this informative post.. Stay blessed!!
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Give it to the Italians to turn an ugly duckling into rolling art. I want, I want, I want
Are we taking orders? I have my deposit ready.
Your comments do not stand up for there are fundamental errors in your facts. It is GM that has a licence from Fiat for JTD technology; in fact the Opel diesel engines are of fiat origins. Fiat does not intend to license MultiAir outside the group for the time being, it is however being introduced to all group engines including Chrysler. It was developed with the all-new 2 cylinder Twinair engine. Far from not having a future, it is still being developed we will shortly see Twinair 2. Alfa Romeo can build as good a chassis as Mazda what they need is volumes to manufacture it cost effectively.
Apologies, please disregard my badly researched rant.
If only FIAT would be as clear, concise and accessible as you Giorgio15. Maybe there's hope for a fully camless wonder design to come to fruition. :)
Yeah...It's time for Alfa's..
All I can ever think of when I see Alfa and Mazda sharing technology is the ARNA ... God help us!
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