Alfa Romeo is at the centre of top-level negotiations between Audi and Fiat and might be nearing a sale, according to Wardsauto.com.
Quoting “reliable” sources in Turin, Italy and Ingolstadt, Germany, Wards said that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler are in talks over a major deal.
The top subject reportedly involves the sale of Alfa as well as Fiat’s Pomigliano assembly plant.
If discussions are successful, the facility would return to building Alfas under Audi., according to Wards. Pomigliano was built in the late 1960s specifically for Alfa production, but currently assembles the Fiat Panda.
Discussions between the two automakers also could include a sale of Fiat’s Magneti Marelli auto parts unit, Wards reported. Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group.
According to sources, the sale of Alfa would help Fiat raise the cash necessary for a 100 per cent stake in Chrysler Group. Currently, the UAW’s Voluntary Employee Benefits Association holds a 41.5 per cent stake in the Auburn Hills, Mich., company.
It’s uncertain what impact the reported negotiations would have on Fiat’s plan to relaunch Alfa in North America later this year. Marchionne has said the nameplate would return to North America with the introduction of the Alfa 4C sports car.
