FCA China partner Guangzhou Automobile Group is reportedly looking for help from FCA with its US market entry strategy.
“Chrysler’s development in China required our support. Now for GAC Motor’s development in the US we also hope for Chrysler’s support and help,” GAC General Manager Wu Song told Reuters at the Beijing Show.
The report added that Wu and representatives of GAC Motor did not elaborate on what type of support Fiat Chrysler might offer. Reuters said a Fiat Chrysler spokesman declined to comment.
Reuters noted that Guangzhou Auto was the sixth-largest automaker in China by sales volume last year, including vehicles produced through joint ventures with Fiat Chrysler, Toyota , Honda and Mitsubishi Motors.
The report added that GAC Motor is in discussions with potential dealership partners in the US but has yet to begin road tests there to meet US standards.
Fiat-Chrysler has recently started operations at its new joint venture plant in Guangzhou, southern China. The plant is managed by GAC Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles Company, a 50:50 joint venture between Guangzhou Automobile Group Company and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles NV.
Located in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, the new plant has an annual production capacity of 160,000 vehicles. It produces Jeep-brand models for the local market.
GAC Fiat-Chrysler launches Jeep plant in China
