Audi is reportedly negotiating with Fiat for the acquisition of Alfa Romeo, sources close to both Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told Wards Auto. It’s a not new story, but it’s also one that refuses to die…
The two executives are in talks over a major deal, the sources say, with the main topic being the sale of the Alfa Romeo brand, but also of Fiat’s Pomigliano d’Arco assembly plant, which currently builds the Fiat Panda supermini. Audi’s plan is to use the plant to make Alfa Romeos under its leadership, as the facility was built in the late 1960s specifically for Alfa Romeo production.
According to the report, Audi and Fiat are also negotiating a sales of the Magneti Marelli auto parts unit. Not long ago, Marchionne hinted that Magneti Marelli could be sold in order to raise cash. Audi also said it might acquire a components manufacturer and set up a new research and development unit in Italy.
Audi already owns Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini and motorcycle maker Ducati. It also has the Italdesign-Giugiaro styling center, which it acquired in 2010 through its Lamborghini subsidiary.
Neither Fiat, nor Audi commented on the rumored talks. “We do not comment on speculative rumors,” Fiat spokesman Richard Gadeselli told Wards Auto, while Audi spokesman Juergen de Graeve said “there is no substance in the news.”
It is not the first time the media reports the VW Group is negotiating an Alfa Romeo takeover. However, Marchionne has pledged to hold on to the brand and unveiled a recovery plan for the carmaker in January. Under the plan, Alfa Romeo will roll out eight new and one restyled model by 2016.
By Dan Mihalascu
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