Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne expects to be able to announce, "in 60 to 90 days" a coordinated powertrain policy that will link future Alfa Romeo and Maserati models.
Speaking at the Paris motor show, he said that he feels the move can be made now that Alfa has the architecture in place - via the recent deal with Mazda to link the next Spider with the next-generation Mazda MX-5. Now the plans are in place, Alfa Romeo can build the characterful sports-car range needed to fulfil its brand promise.
He also sounded encouraging about an extension of the Mazda link to Fiat cars. "Everything is possible," he said. "Our relationship has just started. But let's take this thing one step at a time."
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Good For Alfa and Mazda
Alfa need a small open RWD sports car platform
Mazda need a partner to develop their small open RWD sports car platform
Good for both companies
Mazda seems like a natural
Mazda seems like a natural choice. Reliable Japanese cars with a sporting slant.
Remember the old 323 that used to look like a 4 door Celica?
The MX5 which is fun to drive like an old school roadster (even 1990 vintage models are fun!).
Tie up with Alfa will be tremendous, hopefully they'll get it right - Alfa design and soul and Mazda build quality. Not the other way around (as per the disastrous Arna)
And Lancia?
Where is information on this once wonderful iconic masterpiece of the rally world? Down the toilet I would think. If they had the architecture in place for Lancia with Mazda it would have made sense to some extent, but to do it with Alfa is really the worst news possible. BUT as I have said before - there will be only one winner in the partnership, and that will be Sergio who will pocket a few million. The brands will diminish will be another Rover - Saab story down the line in 5 years time.